Veteran Whiskey Review: Heavens Door Double Barrel Whiskey

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History – “Heaven’s Door” is a whiskey brand inspired by the iconic American musician Bob Dylan. The whiskey itself is produced by Spirits Investment Partnership (SIP), a company co-founded by Marc Bushala and Bob Dylan. The idea for the brand came about as a fusion of Dylan’s art and the craft of making fine spirits.

The “Double Barrel Whiskey” offered by Heaven’s Door is one of its premium expressions. It’s a unique whiskey that undergoes a distinctive aging process. The whiskey is first aged in new American oak barrels and then finished in toasted oak barrels, imparting rich and nuanced flavors.

The actual creation of the brand began in 2015 when Bushala, a spirits industry veteran, reached out to Dylan with the proposal of collaborating on a whiskey brand. The name “Heaven’s Door” was inspired by Dylan’s song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

The collaboration between Dylan and SIP was not just about putting his name on a bottle. Dylan was actively involved in the creation of the brand, contributing to the bottle design and the overall aesthetic. The distinctive bottle shape and the artwork on the labels were inspired by Dylan’s metalwork sculptures and paintings.

The launch of Heaven’s Door in 2018 introduced a range of whiskeys, including a Tennessee Straight Bourbon, a Double Barrel Whiskey, and a Straight Rye Whiskey. Each expression was crafted to reflect Dylan’s artistic sensibilities and attention to detail.

The Double Barrel Whiskey specifically offers a complex flavor profile due to its aging process. The first step in new American oak barrels imparts traditional bourbon characteristics, while the finishing in toasted oak barrels provides additional depth and subtlety to the whiskey, resulting in a rich, well-balanced spirit.

It’s worth noting that while Heaven’s Door has a relatively short history, its connection to Bob Dylan and its innovative approach to whiskey-making have made it a notable player in the whiskey market. As time goes on, the brand continues to evolve, introducing new expressions and further establishing its place in the spirits industry. Let’s dig in!

Value – Good value!

Appearance – Beautiful bottle and artwork really showing off its uniqueness on the shelves!

Nose – Soft / Honey / Licorice / Lavender

Palate – Easy Going Down / Definitive Wood (Cherry) / Custard / Vanilla

Finish – Smooth / Cinnamon / White Pepper / Pecan

Summary – Heaven’s Door has gained popularity not just because of Dylan’s association but also due to the quality of the product. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, unique aging processes, and the tie to Dylan’s artistry has appealed to both whiskey enthusiasts and fans of the musician.

“A really great whiskey for the price that is smooth beyond belief!“

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 5

Appearance- 1-10 – 10

Nose- 1-20 – 14

Palate- 1-20 – 17

Finish- 1-20 – 17

Value- 1-20 – 14