It is true that Heaven Hill discontinued their 6 year old Bottled in Bond bourbon in 2019. As a sommelier and brewer, I have been following the bourbon industry closely, and this news was met with mixed reactions from bourbon enthusiasts.
The Heaven Hill 6 year Bottled in Bond bourbon was a beloved expression among many bourbon drinkers. It had gained a reputation for its balanced flavors, smoothness, and affordability. The 6 year age statement indicated that the bourbon had been aged for a minimum of six years in new, charred oak barrels, which contributed to its complexity and depth of flavor.
However, Heaven Hill made the decision to replace their 6 year old expression with a new 7 year old Bottled in Bond bourbon. While the exact reasons behind this decision have not been explicitly stated by the distillery, it is not uncommon for distilleries to make adjustments to their product lineup based on factors such as aging stock, consumer demand, and market trends.
The introduction of the Heaven Hill 7 year Bottled in Bond bourbon was met with both excitement and skepticism. Some bourbon enthusiasts were thrilled by the prospect of a slightly older expression, anticipating that the additional year of aging could bring about even more nuanced flavors and aromas. Others, however, lamented the loss of the 6 year old expression and expressed concerns that the new 7 year old bourbon may not live up to its predecessor.
As a sommelier, I had the opportunity to taste the Heaven Hill 7 year Bottled in Bond bourbon shortly after its release. I found it to be a well-crafted bourbon with a rich, caramel-forward profile. The extra year of aging seemed to impart a touch more complexity and depth, with hints of oak, vanilla, and baking spices. The bourbon had a smooth mouthfeel and a long, warming finish.
While I enjoyed the Heaven Hill 7 year Bottled in Bond bourbon, I couldn't help but compare it to its predecessor. The 6 year old expression had a certain charm and character that I found to be unique. It had a slightly lighter, fruitier profile with notes of orchard fruits and citrus that set it apart from other bourbons in its price range. It was a reliable go-to option for bourbon enthusiasts looking for a quality pour without breaking the bank.
Yes, Heaven Hill discontinued their 6 year old Bottled in Bond bourbon in 2019 and replaced it with a 7 year old expression. The decision sparked various reactions among bourbon drinkers, with some eagerly anticipating the new release and others mourning the loss of the 6 year old expression. As a sommelier, I found the Heaven Hill 7 year Bottled in Bond bourbon to be a well-crafted bourbon with its own merits, but I couldn't help but miss the unique character of its predecessor.