Parker’s Heritage 10 Year Old “Heavy Char” Bourbon Review (2020)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

Heaven Hill raised a noticeable amount of squeaking from the dingier corner of the enthusiast community last year when Parker’s Heritage 2019 was a not quite 9 year old rye, aged in “Char 5” barrels. These heavily charred casks received 30 second of flame beyond the level of Char 4. Predictably, they focused on the age statement rather than the larger curiosity of what such heavily charred oak would yield. The question of whether oak so treated is suitable for even middle aged bourbon sailed right over their heads, seeing as how the deeper char allows the whiskey to penetrate more deeply and draw more upon the oak.

As it turned out, the Heavy Char Rye was a worthy release in Heaven Hill’s flagship annual series, and they followed it up this year with a 10 year old bourbon aged in Char 5 casks. Those 102 barrels aged on the sixth floor of rickhouse Y, before bottling at 120 proof without chill filtration. The series continues to charitably support ALS research, having raised over $1 million since beginning contributions.

The Bourbon
Despite a decade in ultra-charred barrels and the high octane proof, the color of this pour wasn’t dark or deep, instead coming out as middle amber. Having taken my look, in went my splash of water, followed by my nose… which promptly got stuck on vanilla and caramel, accented by cedar and a pinch of allspice.

The flavor follows in a similar vein, developing out with notes of bing cherries and baking spice on a heavy base of caramel and vanilla, with a touch of ash coming on at the end. It’s full-bodied and quite ballsy, and that after the splash of water. The finish ran spicy with cinnamon, while retaining that ashy note.

The Price
Parker’s Heritage continues to officially cost $120 a bottle, but what a greedy retailer might ask is a separate matter. A quick check online found some stores asking a grossly inflated $600 per bottle.