You may have heard of “Level 4” charred barrels, but the barrels for this year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection were given even more time under intense heat and flame for a “Level 5” char that created even more cracks and fissures in the wood. The spirit made from a mashbill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley was allowed to mature in those barrels for 8 years and 9 months before bottling.

The nose has notes of campfire wood and ashes, baking spices, dark chocolate, espresso beans, and a hint of pipe tobacco. The taste is spicy, but still smooth with clove, cinnamon, chili powder, and a hint of black pepper complemented by campfire smoke, pipe tobacco, and a hint of honey. The finish is very long, and fades away gently with a nice balance of honey sweetness and lingering spices. Excellent! (September, 2019)