Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheat Whiskey 8th Edition 750m L 63. 4% ABV The 2014 edition, the eighth offering, stands alone as the first non-bourbon entry in the series — which originally worried purists. Unlike bourbon, which by law must be made from 51 percent corn, this amber whiskey is made from 51 percent winter wheat, 39 percent corn and 10 percent malted barley, meaning it qualifies — barely — as a wheated whiskey. The “Original Batch” on the label is a nod to its juice, which comes from the original set of barrels used to make Heaven Hill’s Bernheim wheat whiskey — though at 13 years of age, it’s nearly twice as old as what’s in a Bernheim bottle. It’s also unfiltered and bottled at a cask strength of 127. 4 proof. While not technically a bourbon, most could easily think it was a wheated bourbon akin to Pappy or Weller after a whiff. Strong hints of wood, vanilla and baking spices come off the glass. The high wheat content is more apparent after a sip, with sweet notes of honey, caramel and biscuit concentrating at the front of the mouth. The combination of age and a high barrel proof is what truly sets this spirit apart, though, balancing out the sugary and mellow grain notes with a rye-like kick of dry oak and pepper. It’s a fantastic whiskey unlike any other on the market, and sure to be coveted by traditional bourbon fans and whiskey explorers.

8th Edition 2014

Original Batch
Wheat Whiskey

Proof: 127.4, 126.8,
135