Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
“I feel I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door” – Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s iconic lyrics from his 1973 hit have been used countless times throughout the years. Recently the song has become a moniker for Dylan’s brand of whiskeys; Heaven’s Door.
“I wanted to create a collection of American Whiskeys that, in their own way, tell a story. I’ve been traveling for decades, and I’ve been able to try some of the best whiskey spirits that the world has to offer. This is great whiskey.” – Bob Dylan
The singer/songwriter has taken his rare expertise and put them to good use, creating a luxury brand of whiskeys that continues to gain many accolades from consumers and the press alike. Heaven’s Door has many standard releases that can be purchased but the brand truly excels with the rare line known as The Bootleg Series.
The Bootleg series gained its name from Dylan’s portfolio of album collections and shares with them the theme of bringing together great works in a set. Each ceramic bottle from The Bootleg Series features an image of one of Bob Dylan’s oil paintings and is housed in a leather-bound journal that is individually numbered. Volume IV features the painting “Lighthouse in Maine” from the “Beaten Path” collection that celebrates Dylan’s travels across the US.
The Bootleg Series is a yearly release and consistently sells-out year after year creating a high demand for the whiskeys in both the primary and secondary whiskey markets. The 2022 edition shares some similarities with the previous release. Like the 2021 edition, this is a bourbon with an interesting cask finish.
Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Vol. IV 11-Year-Old Wheated Bourbon is finished in peated Islay scotch whisky barrels. This means that after the bourbon has aged for 11 years, it is dumped out of the original bourbon barrels and transferred into barrels that previously held smoky Islay scotch. The whiskey is then allowed to age for another year before being bottled. This imparts slight smoky and malty notes to the already-aged whiskey.
Tasting Notes: Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Vol. IV 11-Year Old Wheated Bourbon
Vital Stats: 11-year old wheated bourbon finished for one year in Islay scotch whiskey barrels. 111 Proof (55.5% abv). 750ml, MSRP $499.99.
Appearance: Colors of rich golden-brown and burnt-amber.
Nose: Aromas of candied orange and molasses mingle with rich vanillas and fresh caramel.
Palate: Rich and viscous nature that coats the whole palate with flavors of toffee, cooking spices, dark chocolate and orange peel.
Finish: The whiskey ends with smooth notes of barrel spices that linger long after the whiskey is gone.