2025 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Review

A little background

Heaven Hill’s 2025 Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is a limited-edition, seed-to-sip release crafted entirely in Nelson County, Kentucky. Distilled, aged, and bottled by America’s largest family-owned distillery, this expression showcases a mashbill of 52% corn (featuring the Beck’s 6225 varietal), 35% wheat, and 13% malted barley, an elevated wheat content compared to Heaven Hill’s traditional wheated bourbon profile. All grains are sourced from family-owned Peterson Farms, underscoring the distillery’s emphasis on local agriculture and production transparency. The bourbon is aged over six years at the Cox’s Creek rickhouse, non-chill filtered, and bottled at barrel proof at 106.6 proof (53.3% ABV).

Bottled in 700ml format, the 2025 edition carries a suggested retail price of $99.99. As part of its ongoing commitment to community and conservation, Heaven Hill dedicates this release to supporting Farm Rescue, celebrating two decades of assistance to farm families in need. The Grain to Glass series continues to highlight Heaven Hill’s dedication to ingredient selection, agricultural partnerships, and the full lifecycle of whiskey-making, from seed selection to final bottling.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Brown sugar, baked bread, toffee, vanilla, cherry, orange citrus, baking spice, and toasted nuts.

Palate

Brown sugar, baking spices (cinnamon, clove), peanuts, creamy vanilla, and orange citrus.

Finish

Brown sugar, orange citrus, white pepper, oak, and barrel char.

In closing

Heaven Hill’s 2025 Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey delivers a dessert-forward profile that leans into rich brown sugar, warm baked bread, and expressive citrus, supported by the soft grain character that defines the series. Its palate layers sweet and spicy elements with ease, balancing creamy vanilla, peanuts, and vibrant baking spices against a warming undercurrent of oak. The finish follows through with lingering sweetness, citrus, pepper, and char, offering a long, satisfying close. With its transparent grain-to-glass production and thoughtful wheat-heavy mashbill, this release stands out for its craftsmanship and balance. While its price may feel lofty to some, particularly when compared Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, it remains a compelling option for enthusiasts who value both flavor and the story behind the bottle.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Heaven Hill Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.