Parker’s Heritage Collection 17th Edition Double Barreled Blend Bourbon 2023 Release
Introducing the Parker’s Heritage Collection: Exceptional Whiskeys in Honor of a Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller. Each year Heaven Hill Distillery carefully chooses a special whiskey to commemorate the legacy of their late Master Distiller, Parker Beam. This collection includes a wide range of Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whiskeys, representing some their finest and most diverse American Whiskeys ever crafted. Therefore, this lineup isn’t beholden to one expression, or category even. Let’s dive into the Parker’s Heritage 2023 release, Parker’s Heritage 17, a 10 Year Cask Strength Rye Whiskey!
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We review everything whiskey lovers need to know from price to proof. This highly anticipated drop is featured on our 2023 Bourbon Release Calendar in the height of Bourbon Season for those bottle hunters looking to score it big.
Before we get into the whiskey details, it should be noted that this release is bigger than the juice in the bottle.In 2010, Parker was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The last decade of this release has went for a good cause in honor of late Parker Beam, Master Distiller Emeritus. Heaven Hill has released the last ten editions ofParker’s Heritage Collection, from 2013-2022, with each bottle sold contributing to the ALS Association. From “Promise of Hope” Bourbon and Orange Curaçao finished Kentucky Straight Whiskey to Heavy Char Rye Whiskey and Wheat Whiskeys – their work has raised more than $1.2 million towards research and patient care in support of those living with ALS. Now they’re continuing this incredible effort into 2023 by releasing yet another special whiskey blend sure to make a lasting impact on those fighting such a difficult disease.
“Keeping Parker’s legacy alive through this ultra-premium offering is something we’re very dedicated to at Heaven Hill Distillery,” said Susan Wahl, Vice President of American Whiskey at Heaven Hill. “Parker laid the groundwork for this series, and we believe this Cask Strength Rye release is one that would make him proud.”
– Susan Wahl, Vice President of American Whiskey at Heaven Hill
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Review & Tasting Notes
The 2023 edition marks the 17th national release of the Parker’s Heritage Collection. The concept behind this annual release includes a selection of special whiskey which varies by each release. This limited release rye whiskey honors the name of late Master Distiller Parker Beam. Since its inception, the annual release has become one of the most highly anticipated products for whiskey enthusiasts around the world.
Created in 2007, this collection pays homage to a true distilling icon. Sadly, after his ALS diagnosis in 2010, Parker passed away in 2017. However, his legacy lives on through this exceptional collection. With each sale, a percentage of the proceeds go towards ALS research funding, totaling an impressive $1.2 million in charitable donations.
Previously they’ve included a Parker’s Heritage Rye, Parker’s Heritage Malt, and age statements have ranged from no age statement to 24-year old juice. To say the least, the releases are diverse whiskies, not limited to Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The Parker’s Heritage 2023 release is a 10-Year Cask Strength Rye Whiskey. In fact, it’s one of the oldest rye whiskies being released currently.
This unique batch, distilled 10 years ago, showcases a selection of barrels from August, October, and December of 2012. The juice was placed in barrels with a Char Level 1, which equates to 15 seconds of flame being introduced to the American white oak barrels. This is a unique level, which is more commonly usedfor beer, wine production, or finishing barrels.
The aging process took place on specific floors of Heaven Hill Rickhouses – H1, H2, FF, BB, and DD. By bottling this rye whiskey at cask strength and without chill filtering, they’ve preserved the true spirit that has develop over time. Made with Heaven Hill Distillery’s renowned mashbill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley, this whiskey is bottled at an impressive cask strength of 128.8 proof.
Color
Cherrywood
Nose
Aroma: Spice-forward with a rich, fruity sweetness
Palate
Taste: Black cherries mixed with honey, cinnamon and cloves
Finish
Plentiful spice with notes of cherries
SEE ALSO: Parker’s Heritage 2022 Double Barreled Blend Bourbon Release, Price, Review, and Proof
Release Date & Availability
Mark your calendars and make sure your bourbon barrel clock is set for its arrival at select retail locations from mid to late September. The 2023 Parker’s Heritage Collection will be available in the 750ml bottle size on an allocated basis.
This bourbon is available in select markets nationwide. So check your local liquor store or online retailer for availability. You can sometimes buy this new bourbon release at the Heaven Hill gift shop in Bardstown, KY.
SEE ALSO: Parker’s Heritage 2021 Heavy Char Release, Price, Review, and Proof
Proof & ABV
Bottled at cask strength, 128.8 proof, Parker’s Heritage 10 Year Cask Strength Rye Whiskey captures the true essence of the aging process with its non-chill filtered, natural flavors. The128.8-proofing is the equivalent of 64.4% ABV, so expect lots of viscosity and long legs on those bourbon tasting glasses!
Mash Bill
The 2023 Parker’s Heritage mash bill uses Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional Rye Whiskey recipe, consisting of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley.
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MSRP & Secondary Price
This Parker’s Heritage 10 Year Cask Strength Rye Whiskey is available in a 750ml offering for an MSRP of $185. Being as it is a highly sought after offering with limited allocation, secondary market prices will demand many times over that that retail price. Prior releases have saw shelf prices upwards of $500.
Suggested retail pricing is officially set for $184.99, which is up from last year’s $174.99 and the prior years $139.99 price tag. However, anyone who has looked for Parker’s Heritage for sale, you can attest that it is a major find if you can spot it in the wild. Moreover, if you’re willing to pay secondary prices, get ready to pay several times over that amount. Nonetheless, each release is unique, with unique age statements, so the influx isn’t necessarily a direct comparison to the prior.
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