Heaven's Door Spirits Announces 'The Exploration Series'

Heaven's Door Spirits proudly announces The Exploration Series. This latest collection of limited expressions continues to redefine premium craft whiskey. Led by Master Distiller Ken Pierce and Master Blender Alex Moore, Heaven's Door persistently strives to innovate with new finishing methods for a unique collection of limited-time offerings, enriching the whiskey experience.

Heaven's Door will unveil two unique expressions under The Exploration Series banner annually, each standing as a testament to the brand's dedication to pioneering the frontier of the whiskey category. Fueled by the restless and uncompromising spirit of co-founder Bob Dylan, the team behind Heaven's Door draws inspiration from his ethos to continually push the boundaries of innovation with new blends, secondary finishes, and intriguing staves.

The collection's debut release is deeply rooted in French influence, with meticulously incorporated elements of product, wood, and technique. The foundation comprises a blend of Heaven's Door's award-winning Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, culminating in a masterful finish inside freshly dumped Calvados Brandy casks before introducing an additional layer of complexity through medium-heavy toasted French oak staves.

Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy, France, matures for at least two years in French Oak Casks. This imparts sought-after characteristics like fresh apple cider and baked apple brandy to the bourbon.

Alex Moore says:

Our new medium-heavy toasted French oak staves bring forth balanced complexity and enhanced aroma, culminating in a dark color and a smoother, creamier mouthfeel, providing a truly enriched flavor experience. The heavy toast enhances baking notes associated with apples, including brown sugar, pastry, caramel, and biscuits.

Heaven's Door whiskeys have consistently received widespread acclaim and recognition, reinforcing the brand's dedication to crafting exceptional whiskeys. The inaugural expression of The Exploration Series is aged for at least 5 years, bottled at 108 proof, and available for $79.99 at heavensdoor.com and key retailers across the country. 

My Take

This seems interesting, and I'm glad they are trying new barrel combinations... however, I've never had a good bourbon that was finished in a brandy cask. With that, I'm sitting this one out... I would have been much more interested in a 5 year batch proof or 5 year single barrel at that proof and price.

What are your thoughts? Drop a note in the comments below. 

Source: Heaven's Door Spirits, LLC.