As a single malt drinker, I’ve always been intrigued by Heaven Hill. Not just because of their bourbons, but because they’re one of the largest exporters of ex-bourbon barrels to Scotland — the same barrels used to age countless single malts I love. So when I finally had the chance to try the Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, I was keen to see if the liquid inside lived up to the reputation.
But here’s the kicker: while this bottle averages around $50 USD in America, it’s priced between $180 and $220 AUD here in Australia. So, the real question is — does it deliver enough to justify that cost?
The Bottled-in-Bond Standard
For those unfamiliar, “Bottled-in-Bond” refers to a historic US regulation dating back to 1897. It means the bourbon is:
- Made by a single distiller in a single season
- Aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse
- Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV)
Heaven Hill’s take on this style goes one step further, ageing the whiskey for seven years with a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, it’s classic bourbon: vanilla, caramel, honey, and a little cinnamon. The colour is a beautiful golden amber, and it clings nicely to the glass.
The palate opens up with that sweet, mellow profile you’d expect but carries an extra kick of rye spice that adds depth. There’s also a subtle charred oak note, giving it a savoury edge that keeps you coming back for another sip.
As a single malt drinker, I find bourbons often a bit too one-dimensional, but the rye here helps lift it into more interesting territory.
Value for Money
Here’s where things get tricky. In the US, this is a $50 bourbon, and at that price, it’s an absolute no-brainer. But in Australia, the price jumps to nearly four times that — around $180–$220 AUD.
And honestly? As much as I enjoyed the glass, I wouldn’t spend $200 on this bottle. At that price point, there are plenty of other bourbons — and single malts — that offer more complexity and better value.
Final Thoughts
I’m glad I finally tried Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond. It’s a solid bourbon with a flavour profile that even a single malt drinker can appreciate, especially with its touch of spice and char. But for Australians, this one is tough to recommend unless you’re a die-hard bourbon fan or simply curious to tick it off your list.
For my money, something like Russell’s Reserve 10 still edges it out as the better buy. That said, this dram has definitely encouraged me to explore more bourbons — so stay tuned for a few more bourbon reviews in the coming weeks.