New Parker's Heritage Golden Anniversary [Archive]

VERITAS

07-16-2009, 17:04

John Hansell just updated his blog (http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2009/07/16/new-parkers-heritage-collection-bourbon-golden-anniversary/) about the next Parker's Heritage release

Gotta say I'm excited for this one... 40 year old bourbon with 6(?) year old bourbon and everyone where in between...

Wondering if its a barrel or two from each decade or what - anybody have more info on this?

Thanks!

Kevin

jinenjo

07-16-2009, 22:36

Have they really been keeping a barrel sitting around since 1968?

The impression I got is that the five-decades vatting (from Parker's time there) might be from some aged bourbon that had already been bottled (e.g. made in early '60s, bottled in '68).

They pushed the limit on the 27 year old, I don't see why they'd go into the stratosphere with this one. Now that I think of it, I really admire what they are doing at HH with this line of specialty bottles. Especially since it stands up well to the BTAC and is also quite distinct and unique in comparison.

jburlowski

07-18-2009, 11:55

Knowing Parker and his reputation, I'm confident that this will be an outstanding bourbon.

Having said that, it's hard to imagine 40 yo boudon adding anything beyond a sludge of oak and char. Fortunately, the quantity will likely be miniscule compared to the whole. This one has marketing hype written all over it.

independant

07-18-2009, 12:20

I would love to know how much comes from each decade but I think that is something we will never know. Has a bottle like this ever been produced in the past? I would think that this will really put Parkers skills to the test having only so much bourbon to work with and being able to blend them together.

That being said I had heard that this one has a suggested retail of 150.00. For that I would have to either sample or hear some outstanding reviews before I dropped that much.

BourbonJoe

07-18-2009, 20:35

I'm gonna have to leave this one alone. 150 bucks is just too much for what it is.
Joe :usflag:

bourbonv

07-19-2009, 12:54

I like this one better than the 27yo bottling. It is a very good bourbon with a finish that last forever and gets better as it progresses.

I don't know for sure, but I believe that the whiskey from 1968 is some old bottled in bond bourbon added to the tank. There is no regulation against doing that and it is going to be a lot better bourbon than something sitting in the barrel for 51 years. I can not see a 51 year old barrel having anything left in it unless they started with 100 or so barrels and consolidated every ten years.

Mike Veach

TNbourbon

07-19-2009, 15:28

...I don't know for sure, but I believe that the whiskey from 1968 is some old bottled in bond bourbon added to the tank...
So, the obvious questions: why/how do they have some 41yo BIB bottles sitting around that never made it to a store shelf (or gazebo table?!)?
And, if it was in a bottle, is it 41 years old (however accurate "distilled in 1968" is?)? Obviously NOT! So, how old is it?
Personally, I hope it was still in a barrel -- though I can't for the life of me figure out why or how?

OscarV

07-19-2009, 19:23

In the Hansell blog it says it marries whiskey from the 5 decades Parker worked there, not a 41 year old bourbon but one from 1968.
Not that it is but all 5 bourbons could be 4 years old each from the way he explained it.
I hope HH has it labeled as such and does not try to confuse/fool the consumer. I'm sure they'll have it right.

bourbonv

07-20-2009, 08:35

Buddy Thompson had barrels of Mellowmash that he kept after the sale of Glenmore to United Distillers. These barrels were from the late 70s and consolidated a couple of times, and kept on lower floors of the warehouse, but even many of these barrels have gone dry today. I just dont see any barrels from 1968 surviving with bourbon in them. That is why I suspect some of the whiskey is from bottles of 1968 bourbon. With that said, I too would prefer that the whiskey came from barrels and if that is the case, then my hat is off to Heaven Hill. I just don't see that as likely and the carefull wording of the press release accompanying my bottle makes me think I am right in my theory of origin of the 1968 bourbon.

What does count is the fact that Heaven Hill has given Parker a bourbon to be proud of as a Golden Anniversary gift. It seems simple on the nose, but very quickly gets interesting with the first sip and has a finish that is beyond expectations.

Mike Veach

jburlowski

08-02-2009, 07:08

I attended a Heaven Hill whiskey tasting at Party Source last night conducted by Craig Beam. As a surprise, we were given an advance tasting of the Golden Anniversary bottling. It was hard to reach any in-depth conclusions from the small tasting we were given but it is rich and deeply flavored, complex, and very well-balanced.

Craig confirmed that all of the bourbon came from barrels, and not from old bottlings, as some have conjectured. He did say that very little (he estimated less than 3%) of the whiskey came from the oldest (1968) barrels.

The price for this limited bottling will undoubtedly be high.... the question will come down to "is it worth the price to own a bit of history?"

OscarV

08-02-2009, 09:44

Craig confirmed that all of the bourbon came from barrels, and not from old bottlings, as some have conjectured. He did say that very little (he estimated less than 3%) of the whiskey came from the oldest (1968) barrels.

Well then this certainly makes this bottle very unique.
I got the 2008 Parker's for $180.00, most places were selling it for $199.00 and it is $230.00 at the HH Bourbon Heritage Center.
So now the $150.00 for this new one sounds reasonable.

And BTW, the 2007 at $80.00 and barrel proof was an absolute steal.

TNbourbon

08-02-2009, 12:22

...The price for this limited bottling will undoubtedly be high.... the question will come down to "is it worth the price to own a bit of history?"
Well, actually, to me, the question is more is it worth the price to taste a piece of history. Owning it without tasting it just ain't gonna happen here.
I'm a definite maybe to date.

MGillespie

08-18-2009, 13:08

Having tasted a sample bottle that HH sent me, I can recommend it without question. It's just as good as last year's 27YO, and when I took some to a charity tasting, it was a unanimous choice as the best whiskey of the evening! I scored it a 96...and I don't give 90+ ratings very often.

Mark Gillespie

JBeamGold

08-23-2009, 05:23

I quite like the sound of this one... I have already put my order in for 1 of these....

onmytrack

09-13-2009, 17:52

Does anyone know when or if this will reach CA? I figure at $150 per, there is no need to rush out and order via the internet. It could make for some hard choices if it doesn't get here before the '09 BTAC does, however.

Jim

jburlowski

09-14-2009, 15:07

It's supposed to be released next week during the KBF. Don't know how long it will take to get to CA.

Special Reserve

09-14-2009, 16:27

Listed in the on-line catalogue at $149.95 minimum in MI.

dgonano

09-15-2009, 16:29

Picked up a few bottles in Maryland last week. . . .$129.95 per bottle. They had been pre-ordered.

OscarV

09-22-2009, 11:04

A fellow SB.com member was looking for Parker's Heritage Golden Anniversary last week in KY during the KBF but it was not out yet.
I stopped at my favorite liquor store today and asked if they would call in to see if it is available.
Yes! The Lady at the LLC said they have 20 3 packs here in MI!!
I have it on order, A & L Wine Castle in Ann Arbor is getting a 3 pack and 2 bottles are for me.
If anyone in the area wants the other one it will be there on Wed Sept 30.
If anyone across this great land of ours wants me to get the 3rd one to ship to you PM me.
The price is $149.95 plus 6% sales tax, plus shipping.
BTW, A & L still has a bottle of last years Parker's at $230.00.

dgonano

09-22-2009, 18:50

I guess the Maryland distributor made a boo-boo when he inadvertantly released 2 bottles to my retailer. I assume the market price to be $150. However, I always request Special Orders to be only slightly marked-up...thus the cheaper purchase price.

p_elliott

09-23-2009, 09:29

The only place I could find this in KY was at the distillery and they wanted just shy of of $200 I passed.

ErichPryde

09-25-2009, 02:42

And BTW, the 2007 at $80.00 and barrel proof was an absolute steal.

There are a bunch of bottles here in Wichita for 76ish. My anniversary is October 14th, and I listed it as something I'd like to try for my wife, as an option. I think she hunted down something else... maybe a four roses mariage, or a van winkle rye. honestly, looking over the list of absurd things I gave her to possibly hunt down, I have no... I have no clue. which is awesome.

anyway, the awesomeness aside for other awesomeness, I guess I'll have to pick up a bottle of the barrel proofer.

onmytrack

09-27-2009, 11:33

Couldn't wait for distribution to CA, so I went on-line. Found a store in MO that was selling it for $134.99, I had to pull the trigger. Very good juice with lots of depth. I'm enjoying this very much.

Jim

TomFischer

12-05-2009, 13:50

We did a video episode reviewing this Parker's Heritage Golden Anniversary Bourbon that I invite you all to watch on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjEpFKsMW5w . This rare bourbon has a world of layers of vanilla, wood, a bit of fig and one of the longest finishes ever.

spun_cookie

12-05-2009, 13:58

nice you tube video.... not sure I agree with adding the water with the 100 proof stuff.... chances are you are bringing the ethers forward over some of the softer tones as you dilute them... but none the less, well done....

sku

12-05-2009, 14:34

OscarV

12-06-2009, 12:09

.... not sure I agree with adding the water with the 100 proof stuff..

I agree, I had some neat at The Pendennis Club in Loisville last night and I did like it but I was a bit underwhelmed because the last 2 years were very vibrant.

Anyone know when this will be out?

It's been out in KY since September and I think it is MI also.

Lost Pollito

12-06-2009, 13:38

Anyone know when this will be out? It's not on the California shelves yet or at Binny's. In the past, there has never been any shortage of Parker's, and there's still lots of the 2008 version out there.
It's been at Binny's for a couple of months now. It's up on the site as well. Very good juice.:grin:

sku

12-06-2009, 14:41

It's been at Binny's for a couple of months now. It's up on the site as well. Very good juice.:grin:

The only one I see on the site is last year's 27 year old.

spun_cookie

12-06-2009, 16:05

Julio's has it as well... I am just having a hard time kicking in the $150 to get this one... I did not care for the 27 yr I had and I do understand teh later ones were not as good as teh first botteling...

Joshua

12-06-2009, 16:24

spun_cookie

12-06-2009, 17:26

Emerald- I think (personally) it shares a lot in common with the 27 year old as far as taste profile goes. It's a bit deeper with a more complex finish, however I thought the finish was underwhelming compared to what everyone else thought of it. I'm going to revisit it again and do another side by side... but so far if you didnt care for the 27 I'm not sure you would be too thrilled with this.

*edit for addition of content*
I did another sample, it does have a great taste holding it in your mouth. The finish was longer then I remembered, but fairly one simple.

I have been told that the first of teh 27th to hit the shelves were not as dry as the one I had. They were far deeper (and this is by folks I know their tastes). I would love to try and older one to compair, but I need to get out to see mighty Joe Young ... since he has an original release...

Lost Pollito

12-07-2009, 12:24

The only one I see on the site is last year's 27 year old.
Search the word Heritage, It's there with the other 2 Parker's. Just checked.

Pirate762

12-08-2009, 20:38

sku

12-08-2009, 21:14

Is it still possible to find the 2007 (cask strength) Parker's Heritage Collection? If so, where and how much you guess it would be? I have a couple of the 27 year stuff that I have been saving, but would like to find the 2007.

Thanks

Jim

Binny's has it for $80. The trick is that there were two versions of that edition at two slightly different proofs. From what I read, most people liked the 122.6 proof the best. I've only had that one, but it is excellent.

jburlowski

12-09-2009, 12:19

Gillman

12-24-2009, 14:55

I just tried this. It has good notes of medium butterscotch and rich loam (probably the oldest whiskeys explain the earthy warehouse note). The taste is big and full. The finish is not quite as integrated as I would prefer. Excellent whiskey but foremost a collector`s piece in my opinion.

Gary

Ruby K

12-29-2009, 22:09

Is it still possible to find the 2007 (cask strength) Parker's Heritage Collection? If so, where and how much you guess it would be? I have a couple of the 27 year stuff that I have been saving, but would like to find the 2007.

Thanks

Jim

I've seen it around NY for varying prices. And considering I've seen it at half the other two, totally a great value and worth it.

SMOWK

12-30-2009, 08:45

I've seen it around NY for varying prices. And considering I've seen it at half the other two, totally a great value and worth it.

the only place I know of is Bayville Package Store on Rt 54 in Delaware just outside Fenwick Island. I've bought a few from them and I believe there are still at least 3 or 4 left. Pretty good price as well, at $61. No tax in Delaware either.

spun_cookie

12-30-2009, 09:20

... there were two versions of that edition...

These were three versions in total:
122.6
127.4 (I think)
129.X

From what I read, most people liked the 122.6 proof the best.

The first was rated 96 by malt advocate, the 2nd was 95 I think this one taste like smoked brisket) and the third had a lower rating

I like the 1st and 2nd for different reasons... I have not had the 3rd

sku

12-30-2009, 10:06

As far as I can tell, this has yet to make it to California.

SMOWK

12-30-2009, 10:56

127.4 (I think)

The bottle I have is 127.4. Are the other 2 different years? Or different barrels?

jburlowski

12-30-2009, 11:51

These were three versions in total:
122.6
127.4 (I think)
129.X

129.6 -------------------------------

dgonano

12-30-2009, 15:05

The bottle I have is 127.4. Are the other 2 different years? Or different barrels?

They were released the same year (2007) just three different batches. No age statement on any bottle.

Upon research, 68 barrels from 1996, rickhouse Y, 5th floor. Dumped in small batches of 22,22, and 24 barrels.

silverfish

02-05-2010, 07:17

PHGA was just named "American Whiskey of the Year" by the Malt Advocate.

It is on sale at Shoppers Vineyard (http://www.shoppersvineyard.com/store/pc/PARKER-S-HERITAGE-COLLECTION-GOLDEN-ANNIVERSARY-3RD-EDITION-BOURBON-WHISKY-108p12309.htm) for $115.

Old Lamplighter

02-08-2010, 18:13

They were released the same year (2007) just three different batches. No age statement on any bottle.

Upon research, 68 barrels from 1996, rickhouse Y, 5th floor. Dumped in small batches of 22,22, and 24 barrels.

Only one I ever saw was the 127.4.....no sign of any of this latest one in this part of TN yet.

SMOWK

02-08-2010, 18:17

There's still 3 or 4 bottles of the 127.4 from 2007 left on the shelf at a local store. I picked one up the other day and now am contemplating going back for the others. It's the only Parkers Anniversary I've tried, and it is very, very good. I considered grabbing one of the 27yr bottles, but I really like the barrel proof stuff. I think I'd rather have the extra bottles than the older stuff.

Lost Pollito

02-08-2010, 20:20

Both the 27, and the Golden are worth grabbing IMO. The cask strength's are much more up front and in your face. All of these Parker's have been quite good.

SMOWK

02-09-2010, 10:50

Both the 27, and the Golden are worth grabbing IMO. The cask strength's are much more up front and in your face. All of these Parker's have been quite good.

I like my bourbon to punch me in the face. Maybe that's why my Stagg disappears in large gulps of goodness.