Parker's Heritage Collection 2013 (PHC 7) - "Promise of Hope"

[LostBottle]

I should have clarified, but I was talking about the diminishing quality of the PHC releases (specifically PHC6, PHC7, & what I see in store for PHC8) and not referencing anything else. What is really disappointing is that with the apparent wide barrel variance of 7, they chose not to give barrel numbers like almost every other single barrel release out there, which makes it a $100 gamble. With the falloff from 5 to 6 and now apparently 6 to 7, this does not bode well for the quality of PHC8 (if it is released). I know people have a fondness for PHC, but it has to be admitted that the quality seems to be heading downhill - it looks to be another case where the bourbon became a victim of it's own success and the race to meet demand.

Edited November 6, 2013 by LostBottle

[jaycamm]

I was unaware of any consensus that the quality of PHC is diminishing.

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[smokinjoe]

I was unaware of any consensus that the quality of PHC is diminishing.

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I am unaware of this, as well. :skep: Conversely, many thought (including me) that last years was outstanding, and the best release, to date.

[LostBottle]

I know tastes are subjective, but I would venture most do not think PHC6 was even in the same league as the spectacular 1 & 4. Personally, I did not find either of the two PHC6 dumps I tried to be nearly as enjoyable as the unique cognac finished 5.

[luther.r]

I'd agree that 4 >5 > 6 > 7

[Yeti]

Well, there's no ultimate point to be made, but I definitely enjoyed all 4 batches of PHC6, and would prefer any to PHC5. The Cognac was very good, but I didn't feel any need for a second bottle. I'd love to share a pour of the 7 with someone who has a nice bottle, but still don't plan on purchasing one. A $100 gamble does appear to be the case.

[smknjoe]

I think PHC 4th and 6th were both equally great pours. The 6th was one of the best whiskeys I tasted from last year and I thankfully have a few backup bottles.

[smokinjoe]

I know tastes are subjective, but I would venture most do not think PHC6 was even in the same league as the spectacular 1 & 4. Personally, I did not find either of the two PHC6 dumps I tried to be nearly as enjoyable as the unique cognac finished 5.

I think if you looked at the "Bourbon of the year for 2012" thread, you will find many folks who found it at, or near, the top of their list.

[Wryguy]

I like PHC5 fine, it's unique, but it is my least favorite PHC. The last batch of 6 was really delicious and balanced. I've yet to try 7, but I'm thinking good things, but a bit leery of the lower proof. Time will tell.

[AaronWF]

I should have clarified, but I was talking about the diminishing quality of the PHC releases (specifically PHC6, PHC7, & what I see in store for PHC8) and not referencing anything else. What is really disappointing is that with the apparent wide barrel variance of 7, they chose not to give barrel numbers like almost every other single barrel release out there, which makes it a $100 gamble. With the falloff from 5 to 6 and now apparently 6 to 7, this does not bode well for the quality of PHC8 (if it is released). I know people have a fondness for PHC, but it has to be admitted that the quality seems to be heading downhill - it looks to be another case where the bourbon became a victim of it's own success and the race to meet demand.

I don't think it's that the quality is going downhill, it's more a matter of style preference. I love the GA and 4th. The 5th comes next for me and probably the 7th after that. I tasted one dump of the 1st from a bottle that had been open for a long time and didn't like it. The 27yo was good, but more for the novelty of its age than anything else. I really did not like the lone bottle I drank of the 6th, from the first dump.

It's a real shame that barrels aren't identified on the PoH like they are on the EWSB, but the fact remains that the bottle I bought happens to be superb. You just can't make blanket statements about a 1B release the same way you can about one that's batched. Most people I talk to loved the '12 FRLE1B, but neither of the bottles I drank through were very good to my palate.

HH makes great whiskey, but it does seem that the last two years especially have shown inconsistencies in the decision-making process behind how the style and substance of the releases are chosen.

[boneuphtoner]

I just opened this earlier this week and I'm loving it. I think it is up there with my all time favorites. To me it is all the best of what I love about EC12 with a creaminess that is just to die for. And the finish is like the Energizer Bunny....it just keeps going, and going. The only whiskey I've tried recently that is on par with this for an overall enjoyment perspective is the FR2012LE small batch. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!!!!

[SLOandSteady]

I just opened this earlier this week and I'm loving it. I think it is up there with my all time favorites. To me it is all the best of what I love about EC12 with a creaminess that is just to die for. And the finish is like the Energizer Bunny....it just keeps going, and going. The only whiskey I've tried recently that is on par with this for an overall enjoyment perspective is the FR2012LE small batch. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!!!!

You have my mouth watering. I recently tried EC12 for the first time and love it. I grabbed a PHC 7th Ed. last week after reading a few reviews on the usual bourbon blogs and it looks like I'm in for a treat. That creaminess you mention is what has me excited about this bottle.

[tigerlam92]

Had my third pour tonight. This is really good!!

I was fully expected to me underwhelm. But it is very flavorful, nice nose and super smooth.

Lovely as is. Not pretentious.

Edited November 20, 2013 by tigerlam92

[zillah]

If anyone is looking for the PHC7, my go-to store near my hometown has 3 in stock and they ship. I am not particularly interested in buying it but hopefully I could help a fellow SB.com member get a bottle if they can't find it.

https://www.winebazaar.com/spirits/2010-Heaven-Hill-Parker-s-Heritage-10-Yr-Promise-Of-Hope-w5118337np

[jwacky]

I'm having some at the moment from a newly opened bottle and I'm really liking it. Tough to remove price from the equation since it's at or near triple digits, but I like what's in the bottle. Worthy of another bottle purchase to me since it'll be almost impossible to replace after another month or two.

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[TunnelTiger]

Not having the chance to try earlier releases of this I was really pleasantly surprised how much I've enjoyed it. The bottle seems to get smoother the longer it is open. There are still several on the shelves of the two stores I frequent so i think I'll pick up another for the bunker to compare against next years version.

[jersey12]

Not having the chance to try earlier releases of this I was really pleasantly surprised how much I've enjoyed it. The bottle seems to get smoother the longer it is open. There are still several on the shelves of the two stores I frequent so i think I'll pick up another for the bunker to compare against next years version.

Hopefully there will be a next year's version as there have been rumors of this being the last release.

[RWBadley]

I saw my local had two bottles of this marked down to $79.99 each.

I'm thinkin' I may get at least one for backup. I have been enjoying the first one pretty well. It has a good complex flavor with mint spiciness.

Edited December 2, 2013 by RWBadley

[RVTsteve]

Saw a similar price recently. It's been a pass without a second thought so far, but everyone likes it so much, for $20 cheaper I might pull the trigger.

[WAINWRIGHT]

Had a pour of this last night from a fresh bottle mind you,I have to admit I was more than underwhelmed with my bottle.I have had sever pours from others that were quite good,just not mine. I wish these were marked as such being single barrels,but it is for a great cause so you'll hear no more gripes from me at least in that sense.

[tigerlam92]

Almost finished the first bottle and really enjoyed it. I find it such a nice and easy pour to drink. Would be better if cheaper but . . .

It's been my go to bottle lately. Will be keeping one open in the bar.

[tylermke]

Has anyone noticed a white film or sediment at the bottom of their PoH bottle(s)? Not that it bothers me, just more curious than anything.

[Oboe Cadobro]

Has anyone noticed a white film or sediment at the bottom of their PoH bottle(s)? Not that it bothers me, just more curious than anything.

If it's anything like the Jefferson's 18-year, it's the result of not being filtered...those are "Flavor Nummies"! :yum:

[burghguy]

Maybe it's just me, but I find the age of the PHC 7 to be just right. I usually enjoy a bit higher proof, but the "Promise of Hope" is pretty good booze. I may have to put a couple of these away for future enjoyment

[portugieser]

So I'm really enjoying this bottle. Perfectly balanced and for me has an amazing profile of flavors -- not necessarily complex, but just oozing with cola, toasted nuts and hint of spice. So no I'm curious what bourbons this board thinks come closest to this flavor profile. Any thoughts?