Whiskey fans may have noticed a new name on shelves in recent years: Heaven’s Door Whiskey. Coming in several varieties, this brand offers a distinctly American whiskey experience with a strong American influence.
What makes Heaven’s Door Whiskey special? Where does the company get its name? What types of products does Heaven’s Door Spirits (the official company name) offer? Keep reading our guide to learn all this and more.
Heaven’s Door Whiskey: An Introduction
Heaven’s Door Whiskey takes its name from the Bob Dylan tune “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” That’s not merely a case of music-loving distillers paying homage to another American classic. Bob Dylan himself collaborated with the team at Heaven’s Door to co-create a line of whiskeys that reflect the Americana of Dylan’s folk catalog.
As Dylan puts it on the Heaven’s Door website, “I wanted to create a collection of American Whiskeys that, in their own way, tell a story. I’ve been traveling for decades, and I’ve been able to try some of the best whiskey spirits that the world has to offer. This is great whiskey.”
What Is the Alcohol Content of Heaven’s Door Whiskey?
The alcohol content of Heaven’s Door Whiskey can vary from one variety to another. The alcohol content for its most widely-available products is as follows:
- Heaven's Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey: 92 proof
- Heaven's Door Double Barrel Whiskey: 100 proof
- Heaven's Door Straight Rye Whiskey: 92 proof
Heaven’s Door also offers a range of limited release whiskeys. Some are high proof whiskeys, while others are session whiskeys.
What Is the History of Heaven’s Door Whiskey?
Heaven’s Door whiskey has unique origins when compared to that of other whiskey brands. In 2015, Bob Dylan filed a trademark application for the term “bootleg whiskey.” According to a New York Times story, this caught the attention of spirits entrepreneur Marc Bushala.
Bushala had recently sold his Angel’s Envy bourbon brand for $150 million. He contacted Dylan to ask if the singer would like to collaborate on a line of whiskeys.
Dylan officially signed on in 2018. He’s a partner in Heaven’s Door Spirits, investing his time and money into the creation of quality whiskeys. In other words, this isn’t just a case of a celebrity agreeing to put their name on a product for a paycheck.
Where Is Heaven’s Door Whiskey From?
Heaven’s Door Spirits’s headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois., but its products are made in such traditional locations as Tennessee. The company also plans to open a distillery in Pleasureville, Kentucky, in Spring of 2024. Currently, Heaven’s Door Spirits owns The Last Refuge, a live music venue and “brand home” in Louisville, KY.
When Was Heaven’s Door Whiskey Created?
Heaven’s Door Whiskey first arrived on the scene in 2018. True, that means it hasn’t stood the test of time when compared to other recognizable brands on the market.
That said, it’s worth noting that key team members at Heaven’s Door Spirits already have proven track records in the whiskey business. The whiskey itself may be new, but the people involved in creating it have been doing this for a long time now.
What Types of Heaven’s Door Whiskey Are There?
Heaven’s Door whiskey comes in such varieties as:
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Straight Bourbon: Heaven’s Door Spirits ages its Straight Bourbon variety in new American oak barrels for at least five years. This Heaven’s Door whiskey has won a gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the 2018 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.
- Double Barrel: Consisting of two straight bourbons and a single straight rye, the Double Barrel variety of Heaven’s Door whiskey begins when each whiskey in the blend ages for a minimum of five years in its own barrel. The whiskeys then age for another six to twelve months in a single custom Tonnellerie Radoux barrel. Awards and acclaim for the Double Barrel variety include a Double Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Whiskey of the Year award at the London Spirits Competition.
- Straight Rye: Heaven’s Door Spirits ages its Straight Rye variety for six to eight years to achieve a certain degree of consistent maturity across every bottle. Once the whiskey has reached maturity, it finishes the aging process in sherry casks. The Heaven’s Door Straight Rye whiskey has won a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with gold medals at both the 2018 and 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.
As mentioned earlier, these are not the only types of Heaven’s Door whiskeys available. The brand also periodically releases limited edition offerings.
Heaven's Door Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled and aged in Tennessee. It's aged for a minimum of six years, which gives it one of the smoother flavors you can find for a Tennessee whiskey. It has a baked bread and dried fruit nose, including hints of caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg. As for the flavor, it has a hint of honey, pumpernickel, baking spices, and of course, that oak flavor you want to see in a Tennessee bourbon whiskey.
While Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey is smooth and perfect for sipping, it's 92 proof (46% ABV), and reasonably priced.
Heaven's Door Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Looking for a Kentucky-style whiskey? Then Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the best choice for you. It's a one-of-a-kind bourbon that consists of a mix between two bourbon whiskeys, so it's more of a blend. That said, it holds up well with old Kentucky whiskey traditions, so it's non-chill filtered and adheres to old Kentucky whiskey traditions.
However, Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon is also strong. While it's smooth, it's been aged for 6 years, and the result is a 92 proof (46% ABV) strong bourbon. It also has a unique Kentucky nose to it, which includes hints of vanilla and southern baking spices. As for the flavor, it has a rich and complex flavor profile with hints of caramel, nutmeg, and vanilla. We recommend drinking this whiskey over ice or sipped in a glass.
Heaven's Door Revelation Double Barrel Whiskey
Revelation Double Barrel Whiskey is one of Heaven’s Door’s stronger whiskey drinks. Aged for 6 years in charred, new American oak barrels, it's one of the brand’s purest creations to date. In fact, it's almost cask strength, but still has that smooth and spicy flavor that bourbon-lovers crave.
When it comes to flavor, Revelation Double Barrel Whiskey won't disappoint. It has a maple and milled grain nose that also has a slight nuttiness to it. The nose is followed by a fried dough and toasted caramel flavor that's bound to make your taste buds happy. You may also notice some subtle notes of orange oils, vanilla bean, and dark cherry. While it's a smooth and tasty bourbon, it's still strong enough to give you a buzz. It comes in at 100 proof, so 50% ABV.
Heaven's Door Refuge Straight Rye Whiskey
Another one of Heaven's Door’s flagship whiskeys, Refuge Straight Rye is a smooth and delicious choice. It's perfect for people who prefer rye whiskeys, and it has those subtle rye flavors that you've come to expect. The nose is rich, contains dark fruits, and even has a hint of sweetness thanks to the sherry casks finish. For the flavor, expect a spiciness that's followed by sweet fruit flavors. You'll also be pleasantly surprised by hints of vanilla, honey, dried fruit, and caramel.
Refuge Straight Rye Whiskey also follows many of the standards that Heaven’s Door follows for their other whiskey products. It's bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), and aged for a minimum of 6 years. This gives it a smoothness that you can enjoy on the rocks, neat, or even as a mixer.
Heaven's Door Homesick Blues Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Homesick Blues Minnesota Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is one of Heaven’s Door’s best whiskey creations. Aged for seven years, this wheated bourbon whiskey was crafted in Minnesota, which is only 150 miles away from Bob Dylan’s home. Heaven’s Door did their best to honor his memory with this whiskey, and that's true well beyond just the location. The bourbon matures at a temperature swing that goes up to 116° Fahrenheit to -80° Fahrenheit. Like the wild temperature fluctuations, this whiskey stays true to Bob Dylan's love for nature and the wilderness.
When it comes to quality, you won't be surprised by this whiskey. It's bottled at 122.7 proof and comes in at 61.35% ABV. The nose is rich and full, but with sweet and earthy notes from the oak barrels it's aged in. Prominent notes of nutmeg and honey also come through, along with subtle notes of vanilla. The palete is wheaty, full-bodied, and gives you a smooth and creamy mouthfeel.
Heaven's Door Speakeasy #1 - Single Barrel
Heaven's Door outdid themselves with Speakeasy #1 - Single Barrel. This 2018 Tennessee bourbon whiskey that's been aged for longer than most of the brand’s whiskey options. Plus, it's a single-barrel whiskey, so it doesn't blend into various barrels, which gives it a more uniform flavor. Furthermore, changes in aging location, temperature, and composition ensures that no two barrels come out the same.
It has a mash bill that's true to Tennessee, including 70% corn, 22% rye, and 8% malted barley. This gives it a smooth flavor, but allows it to maintain its spicy and full mouthfeel. This take on Tennessee whiskey also doesn't pull any punches. It's 121.5 proof, which is a staggering 60.75 ABV.
Heaven's Door Bootleg Series Volume V
Every year Heaven’s Door comes out with a bootleg series. This year, it's the Volume V whiskey that's an 18-year-old straight bourbon whiskey. However, what makes this whiskey unique is how it's aged. While it's aged like your average bourbon, it's finished in Spanish vermouth rogue casks.
The purpose of the bootleg series is to break boundaries and release some unique flavors that Heaven's Door doesn't get to work with often. The result is a smooth and well-balanced whiskey that has subtle notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla. Bootleg Series V is no slouch in the potency department either. It comes in at 114 proof, which is 57% ABV.
Heaven's Door Exploration Series 1 - Calvados Finish
The Exploration Series is one of Heaven’s Door’s more unique whiskey projects. It's rooted in French influence due to the calvados. This is an apple brandy from Normandy, France, which takes about 2 years to mature. From there, Heaven’s Door’s Tennessee bourbon whiskey is added to the mix, which creates a bold and sweet whiskey flavor. The result is a whiskey that has hints of apple cider and baked apple brandy. If you’re someone who likes a more apple-esk spirit, you can't go wrong with the Exploration Series.
When it comes to alcohol content, this whiskey still has the kick you want. Bottled at 108 proof, it has enough alcohol to make you feel the kick with every sip. Still, it's smooth enough to enjoy neat, with ice, or even mixed in a cocktail. As for shots, well, we don't recommend wasting this one on a quick shot.
What Ingredients Are in Heaven’s Door Whiskey?
Ingredients will naturally vary from one Heaven’s Door whiskey to another. However, a cursory glance indicates the distillers are serious about offering authentic products.
For example, the overview of the Straight Rye variety indicates the distillers use a 100% rye mash bill to create it. For bourbons, the team uses traditional ingredients used in bourbon production.
According to scholarly articles on the subject, a bourbon mash must consist of a certain proportion of corn, rye, and malted barley for the finished whiskey to qualify as bourbon. The distillers at Heaven’s Door Spirits ensure their products meet these criteria.
What Is the Heaven's Door Whiskey Cost?
Prices will vary depending on what type of Heaven’s Door spirit you buy, where you purchase it, how much you purchase, and more. The average prices for the company’s most popular offerings are:
- Straight Bourbon: $52 for a 750 ml bottle
- Double Barrel: $55 for a 750 ml bottle
- Straight Rye: $79.99 for a 750 ml bottle
Remember, these are just the prices for the standard line of Heaven’s Door whiskeys. Prices for any of the limited edition or premium whiskeys the company releases may be higher.
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy Heaven’s Door Whiskey?
Many whiskey aficionados prefer to drink whiskey straight. Even if you mix it with a cocktail later, trying Heaven’s Door Whiskey on its own first can allow you to truly appreciate the nuances of the flavors.
Don’t worry if you have limited experience tasting straight spirits. The following tips will help you make the most of the experience when you open a new bottle of Heaven’s Door Whiskey:
- Try Drinking It Neat: Although you can enjoy it on the rocks if you prefer a cold glass, adding ice to your whiskey can actually numb your palate somewhat. The result? You may not be fully able to taste all the flavors present in a given whiskey. Try drinking it without ice first to see if you can appreciate it at room temperature.
- Add Some Water: Adding just a few drops of water to a glass of whiskey can actually “open up” the notes and help them stand out, particularly when you first smell the whiskey.
- Choose the Right Glass: Whiskey glasses come in several styles. If you’re just starting out as a whiskey enthusiast, try Heaven’s Door Whiskey with a “neat” whiskey glass. This style’s surface area lets let a whiskey’s flavorful aromas stand out while also cutting down on the harshness of the ethanol.
That’s not to say you can’t enjoy Heaven’s Door Whiskey in a whiskey cocktail. Because these whiskeys boast robust and complex flavor profiles, the best type of cocktail for these whiskeys may be one in which the other ingredients don’t overpower the spirit. Popular examples would include the old fashioned and the Manhattan.
How to Choose a Good Heaven’s Door Whiskey
Start with one of the three main varieties when choosing your first Heaven’s Door Whiskey. Unless you’re an experienced whiskey fan who knows how to evaluate the various qualities of different products, you may want to stick with the basics before branching out.
The best way to decide which type of whiskey you want to try first is to learn about the flavor profiles of your options. They are:
- Straight Bourbon: Tasting notes include caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Notes on the nose include caramel, vanilla, and oak.
- Double Barrel: Tasting notes are very complex, with caramel, dark cherry, Meyer lemon, dough, and others resulting in a uniquely flavorful whiskey. The aroma’s notes include maple, oak, and dried berries.
- Straight Rye: Oak, fruit, and a variety of spices are the dominant notes for the nose of this Heaven’s Door Whiskey. Along with honey, caramel, and vanilla, the tasting notes include a unique flavorful kick thanks to the amontillado sherry casks.
If you ever get an opportunity to visit one of the brand’s locations (including the as-yet unopened distillery), you may also ask the staff there to recommend a whiskey. Their expertise could help you find an option that’s ideal for someone with your tastes.
Where Can You Find Heaven’s Door Whiskey?
Heaven’s Door Whiskey has grown quickly in popularity. Partially, this may be due to the brand’s association with Bob Dylan. However, the awards these whiskeys have earned testify to the fact that the brand is fairly easy to find simply because the products themselves are very good.
Heaven’s Door Spirits offers a tool on its website through which you can find a store carrying its products. Additionally, you can find Heaven’s Door whiskey through various online spirits stores, like Speakeasy Co.
Heaven’s Door Whiskey FAQs
Answers to additional questions you may have about Heaven’s Door Whiskey include the following:
How Does Bob Dylan Contribute to Heaven’s Door Whiskey?
Along with directly working with the team that created the brand when developing its whiskey, Bob Dylan also contributes his own art to every bottle of Heaven’s Door Whiskey.
Who Is the Master Distiller at Heaven’s Door Spirits?
When Heaven’s Door Spirits announced plans to open a distillery in Pleasureville, Kentucky, the company named Ken Pierce as Master Distiller for the project. Pierce is an industry veteran who formerly served as Master Distiller for Barton Brands Distillery.
What Do I Need to Know About the Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series?
The Heaven’s Door bootleg series began in 2022. It consists of various limited edition whiskeys in bottles featuring Bob Dylan’s paintings. Each comes in a leather case to both store and display the bottle.
Heaven’s Door Whiskey: A Tribute to an American Icon
Heaven’s Door Whiskey has already earned enough acclaim from industry professionals to indicate its by no means a product that’s coasting on name recognition.
Instead of using Bob Dylan’s image to boost sales, the team here has clearly partnered with a legend in an attempt to create a whiskey that honors his artistic legacy. Try it for yourself to see if you think it lives up to its ambitions!
If you're new to Heaven's Door Whiskey and aren't sure which product to start out with, we recommend beginning with the exceptionally smooth and affordable Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey:
2 comments
You can’t go wrong with anything ’Heavens Door ’ or Bob Dylan.
I’ve been drinking Evan‘s door since it first came out
And made a bourbon drinker out of me
Say hello to Bob for me, I doubt who remembers me from back in the day in the village at the café Wah