I recently had the pleasure of trying Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old whiskey and I was blown away by its complex and delicious flavor profile. This limited edition release from Heaven Hill Distillery is part of their Parker’s Heritage Collection, which showcases unique and innovative blends of whiskey.

Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old Overview

I recently had the opportunity to try Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old, a limited edition bourbon released by Heaven Hill. Here’s what you need to know about this unique and flavorful whiskey.

Product History

Parker’s Heritage Collection is an annual release from Heaven Hill, named after the late Parker Beam, a master distiller who worked for the company for over 50 years. Each year, the collection features a different whiskey, ranging from bourbons to wheat whiskeys to ryes. The 11 Year Old release was aged in Parker Beam’s favorite rackhouse in Deatsville, Kentucky, and is a single barrel bourbon.

Price Range

At an MSRP of $130, Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old is definitely on the pricier side for a bourbon. However, it’s important to note that this is a limited-edition release and comes from a respected distillery with a long history of producing high-quality whiskeys. If you’re a fan of unique and complex bourbons, this one is definitely worth considering.

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Tasting Notes

Aroma

Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old Whiskey has a rich and complex aroma. The first thing that hits the nose is the sweet scent of caramel and vanilla. This is followed by a hint of oak and a subtle note of wheat. The aroma is well-balanced and inviting.

Flavor

On the palate, Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old Whiskey is bold and flavorful. The first sip reveals a strong taste of tobacco and raisins, followed by a rich sweetness of caramel and toffee. The wheat in the mash bill gives the whiskey a unique and pleasant flavor profile, with a hint of nuttiness. The flavor is well balanced and complex.

Finish

The finish of the Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old Whiskey is long and warm. The heat from the high proof is evident, but not overpowering. The finish is smooth and satisfying, with a hint of oak and spice. Adding a few drops of water helps to tame the heat and enhance the flavor profile of the whiskey.

Rating

Overall, I would give Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old Whiskey a rating of 8 out of 10. The whiskey is well balanced, complex, and flavorful. The high proof may be a bit too much for some, but adding water helps to tame the heat and bring out the flavors. The whiskey is a bit pricey, but it is worth the investment for a special occasion or a treat for yourself.

Mixing and Pairing

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Best Mixers

Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old is a complex and flavorful whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. However, it also pairs well with a variety of mixers. Here are some of my favorite mixers that complement the flavors of this whiskey:

• Ginger Ale: The spicy and sweet notes of ginger ale complement the caramel and vanilla flavors of Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing acidity that balances out the richness of this whiskey.
• Sweet Vermouth: Sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness and herbal complexity that pairs well with the spicy rye notes in Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old.

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Cocktail Suggestions

Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old is a versatile whiskey that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Here are a few cocktail suggestions that showcase the flavors of this whiskey:

• Old Fashioned: The classic Old Fashioned is a perfect showcase for the rich flavors of Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old. Combine 2 oz of whiskey, a sugar cube, a dash of bitters, and a splash of water in a rocks glass. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add ice and garnish with an orange twist.
• Manhattan: The Manhattan is a sophisticated cocktail that pairs well with the complex flavors of Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old. Combine 2 oz of whiskey, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
• Whiskey Sour: The Whiskey Sour is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that highlights the bright acidity of lemon juice. Combine 2 oz of whiskey, 3/4 oz of lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

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Food Pairings

Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old is a whiskey that can stand up to bold and flavorful foods. Here are some food pairings that complement the flavors of this whiskey:

• Grilled Steak: The rich and savory flavors of grilled steak pair well with the spicy rye notes in Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old.
• Dark Chocolate: The sweet and bitter flavors of dark chocolate complement the caramel and vanilla notes in this whiskey.
• Blue Cheese: The pungent and tangy flavors of blue cheese are a perfect match for the bold and complex flavors of Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old.

Conclusion

I found Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old to be a well-balanced and flavorful bourbon. The nose was rich and complex, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. On the palate, I tasted a range of flavors, including honey, spice, and toasted oak. The finish was long and warming, with a pleasant hint of sweetness.

I would highly recommend Parker’s Heritage 11 Year Old to anyone looking for a high-quality bourbon with plenty of character and depth. While it may be on the pricier side, I believe it’s worth the investment for anyone who appreciates fine whiskey.

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