Review #44 Henry McKenna 10yr: Bourbon

Score: 8.7/ 10

Distillery: Heaven Hill

Type: Bonded Kentucky Straight

Heaven Hill definitely makes some of the best whiskey brands such as Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna and Old Fitzgerald. Some offerings of these are allocated whiskey and can be very rare. I remember from this last whiskey hunting season of 2019, many pictures of stores offering McKenna 10yr and part of their giveaways or events. Each of these also had a comment about how that’s not a rare whiskey and that the store wasn’t very good. Well my friends…. Go out to 5 stores and let me know how many of those have this. Currently it’s not that easy to find.

Now why is that? It obviously has everything to do with winning “Best in Show Whiskey” at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. One of the most coveted awards that a whiskey can win. This is only the second time that a bourbon has even been considered for this prize. Is it the best bourbon? I personally don’t think so. However, it is a very solid bourbon and If I see it around for under 60, I will pick it up every time without a second thought.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Brown sugar, vegetable oil, oak, raisins, straw / hay, caramel, vanilla

Palate: Very coating mouthfeel, buttery, oak, brown sugar, cinnamon graham crackers, vanilla, caramel

Finish: Medium to long finish. Strong charred oak, subtle leather, white pepper, buttery and oily

Score: 8.7

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability?Uncommon - Rare. I know one place that carries this and commonly puts it on shelves. However, last time I went there they were finally sold out. I also see it included in more and more in giveaways. This may be disappearing from shelves entirely starting in 2020.