Heaven Hill Distillery has released a limited-edition 13-year-old bourbon, the Heaven Hill Deatsville 13-Year-Old, highlighting the significance of the Deatsville rickhouse where it was aged. This release is part of a tribute to the historic site, which is transitioning out of active service for aging bourbon and moving to a role that focuses solely on inspecting barrels.

The Deatsville site has a storied history dating back to 1844 and was once the home of the T.W. Samuels Distillery. Acquired by Heaven Hill in the 1980s, it features buildings constructed shortly after Prohibition, which are unique for their tiered roofs that enhance air circulation, giving the bourbon aged there distinctive flavor profiles. In fact, the late master distiller Parker Beam held the site in high regard before his passing in 2017.

The new bourbon, distilled using Heaven Hill’s standard mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, was crafted from just 17 barrels selected from the third floor of Rickhouse AA. It is bottled at 109 proof, which allows for the sweeter flavors to stand out, including notes of oak, peanut brittle, and baked fruits.

Tasting notes reveal a buttery texture on the palate with hints of caramel and vanilla, and a soft spice that lingers into a smooth finish. Despite its high proof, the bourbon drinks more gently, akin to a cream liqueur.

To acquire a bottle, whiskey enthusiasts can participate in the “Inside the Rickhouse: The Legacy of Deatsville” tour for $219, which combines tours and tastings with the chance to purchase the bourbon. The bottle has a suggested retail price of $199.

Limited releases like this are often highly sought after, as evidenced by comparisons to other niche bourbons that explore the aging process in various rickhouses. The Deatsville release, noted for its small production run, sets a high bar for future offerings from Heaven Hill, ensuring it remains a significant part of Kentucky bourbon’s evolving narrative. For more information, you can visit the Mint Julep Tours portal.