This also resulted in huge shortages that foreshadowed the current bourbon boom, but also led to unfortunate price increases from what previously was a sub-$30 budget bottle that was easy to find, to one that is now $50+ and allocated. this bottle of the hard-to-find Henry McKenna 10 Year Old is a single barrel bourbon bottled at 100 proof with an abv of 50%. Full transparency, this is an Amazon affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon. Coupled with the technicals this is very simply a great deal for around $30. This is the type of barrel that would garner the praise and awards it received in 2018 and 2019. Launched in mid-2021, this bourbon uses exactly the same mash bill, yeast, and filtration process as George Dickels Tennessee whiskey. Likean apple pie with spices but without the applesand with other less-discernible fruit if that makes any sense. Henry McKenna was born in Ireland in 1819. The first bottle of McKenna 10 Year I had was a random purchase by my wife somewhere around 2014. Henry McKenna 10 Years Single Barrel Im already thankful that this doesnt smell like terrible like the other bottle Ive had. Two of McKennas sons, James and Stafford, helped oversee the distillery at the time, and struggled to keep it open through the Great Depression and World War II. Well see you next yearif not sooner. Alcohol mixes in and holds its weight against the other scents as you might expect for 100 proof. Look, McKenna bottled-in-bond is not at all a bad whiskey, but its less complex than it was 8 years prior or at least this barrel is. The distillery has several bourbons that bear corn percentages above 70 percent, including Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. In American Whiskey, Is Heritage Everything? At the same time, this level of nuttiness is abnormal for Heaven Hill, so I was completely caught off guard the first time I drank it. I bought both. Theres vanilla and caramel blending in with a touch of sweetness. Nestor Liquor. Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon. In the heart of Kentucky, Henry McKenna himself set out to create a high-quality, well-aged bourbon. I have far too much fun writing about whiskey and singlehandedly running The Whiskey Shelf to bring you independent, honest, and useful reviews, comparisons, and more. Blog, Featured Whiskies Award Winning Whiskies Gift Ideas Whiskies under 100, Returns & Refunds Shipping & FAQ Terms & Conditions Contact us. Entry is nicely sweet and intensely grainy; the midpalate is the high point as the taste profile expands to include semisweet flavors of caramel corn, toasted marshmallow, dried . The McKenna Bill was introduced in Congress in 1892 with a goal to allow distillers to legally have an unlimited bonding period. While not of the same caliber, my strong affinity for Parkers Promise of Hope makes me admittedly partial to McKennas flavor profile as they share the same traditional, quintessential no gimmicks characteristics.Ive sampled from three different McKenna barrels and while Ive found them all to be in within the same range, I will say one was a little better than the other two. henry mckenna 10 year review - In Depth | The Whiskey Shelf Gone are the days when Buffalo Trace's Weller line presented an easy-to-find, affordable alternative to Pappy. Sometimes that means being in the right place at the right time, and other times it means knowing someone who can tip you off. Nonetheless, Im giving it another try with this Henry McKenna 10 Year Review, covering barrel 1495, barreled on 5/26/2004 and likely released in 2014 or 2015. Manage Cookies Accept & Continue. 16 Of The Best Bourbons Under $50 Worth Buying, Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass, Set of 6, Clear, 6 Pack, Glencairn-like stainless steel snifter glass, Westward Whiskey Cask Strength Single Malt, Penelope Toasted Barrel Strength Bourbon Select. Now, it may not be quite as difficult to hunt as Blantons or other allocated whiskey, but its popularity typically has it flying off the shelf. Yes, I would like to receive emails from The Bourbon Review. Henry McKenna 10 Year In 1837, a young man from Ireland known for his remarkable whiskey-making skills, came to America with his family's whiskey recipe that had been passed down for generations. Get Drinkhacker's top stories, exclusive goodies, and more! Crafted from 4-year-old sourced whiskey, this Buzzard's Roost release is aged in the distillery's "signature" charred barrels, imbuing the How Kentuckys Vintage Spirits Law Has Changed Alcohol Retail: What happened to Henry McKenna 10 yr bottle in bond : r/bourbon - Reddit Still, this experience further reinforces my belief that Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel is too variable to wholeheartedly recommend. In 1837, a young Irishman named Henry McKenna completed his immigration to America by settling near Fairfield, Kentucky. But alas, the lack of a unique flavor profile is not always a bad thing, as a quintessential bourbon flavor profile is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his familys whiskey recipe to work the grains he found in Kentucky. Your email address will not be published. Reviewed: Barrel #6219 (barreled on 2/2/2009). When Im almost finished with the glass, I smell a little more grass, but thats about it. Review 61: Henry McKenna BiB 10 Year : r/bourbon - Reddit The dense peanut butter, caramel, oak, and spice with just enough supporting fruit and herbalness is amazing. Because of this, Heaven Hill is making some changes. While we wouldn't want to try saying that five times fast, there's a lot to consider there. Henry McKenna 10 year - Review after 2 years open. Your review*document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a7e2b6e0b987c741b7f004c2e30dc98f" );document.getElementById("i3a7e97284").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Home Henry McKenna 10 Year instantly took a liking to Kentucky whiskey and set . Unfortunately, McKennas relative value now seems so obvious that I can only assume it might be one of the next on the chopping block. As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for my reviews and comparisons (because theyre the best): Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey Kentucky, USA Avg Price (ex-tax) $ 79 / 750ml 4 from 116 User Ratings 90 / 100 from 7 Critic Reviews Critic tasting note: "One of the few remaining age-stated bourbons. In 1958, the number was increased to 20 years. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Origin Wheated Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Angel's Envy Bourbon Review [In Depth] The Whiskey Shelf. April 2 UpdateThank you for joining The Bourbon Review and Tito Belvedere for April Fools Day! Starting this month, Henry McKenna Single Barrel will no longer be a 10-year whiskey, nor a bottled-in-bond whiskey, nor a single barrel whiskey. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond 10-Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon, explained senior communications manager Josh Hafer, so were making some changes to the formula to increase distribution., Starting this month, Henry McKenna Single Barrel will no longer be a 10-year whiskey, nor a bottled-in-bond whiskey, nor a single barrel whiskey. With our dedicated team, weare here to help you make informed decisions about choosing the right whisky for you to drink. Sweetness, savory, and floral fragrances followed by brown sugar, fresh-baked rye bread, and malt. Henry McKenna is produced in the same Bardstown, Ky., distillery that has created and acquired other well-regarded bourbon brands, including Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Evan Williams. I was hoping that the alcohol was mainly contained in the scents, but it permeates every part of Henry McKenna 10 Year bourbon. Concludes oaky sweet and chewy. But, I recognize that not everyone likes peanuts, so it depends on what you like and the barrel that you happen to get (and how nutty it is). Henry McKenna 10 Single Barrel is a bottled-in bond bourbon by Heaven Hill. 100 proof. 11 Things You Should Know About Henry McKenna | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-henry-mckenna-bourbon-guide/, wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Bourbon, wbs_brand Henry McKenna, bourbon, history, need to know, The Cocktail College Podcast: How to Make the Perfect Manhattan | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/cocktail-college/complete-guide-manhattan-cocktail-recipe/, wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Whiskey, wbs_brand Knob Creek, cocktail, Cocktail College, manhattan, The VinePair Podcast. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Maybe one-dimensional is the wrong term, it specializes in those notes. I love what you guys are usually up too. This is a slightly older bottling (with a twist cap not synthetic cork) that I found in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Its everything youd expect in a bourbon, really. Oh yes, theres dark roasted caramel, roasted peanut shells, dense honey-roasted peanut butter, roasted oak, cinnamon, dark cherry, cocoa powder, orange peel, and licorice. Its not complex, but rather a fine balance of traditional bourbon flavors with just the right amounts of oak, spice, and sweeter elements contrasting one another in harmony. Despite its slightly imposing personality, it shows character and never steps over the line. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This bottle lands so well with me because peanut butter is one of my favorite foods, and it just feels right in Henry McKenna 10 Year. The flavors are well integrated, balanced, and backed by a wonderfully lush undertone. Aroma: Vanilla, caramel, oak, and a light herbaceous note. Henry McKenna Single Barrel is a 10 Year Old, Single Barrel Bottled-In-Bond that is well worth the $55 price tag it carries in North Carolina. 2021 Null Media LLC All Rights Reserved. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can hold it up in sunset light and just enjoy the russet and amber hues reflecting. Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 Years Review & Rating Did it suddenly become more sought after or something or is just inflation? The problem is that theres no way to really know which barrels are good until you try themand hopefully dont waste $40-50 at this point. Its all comes together into a Top Shelf bourbon. If there is anyone still left unsatisfied, a $30 price tag should help lift their spirits. There, he took his love of whiskey and tweaked the familys Irish recipe so it was suited to Kentucky grains. My first sip has a big blast of caramel, honey-roasted peanut butter, vanilla, roasted oak, cinnamon, clove, baked apple, licorice, and fresh apricot. Henry Mckenna Single Barrel Aged 10 Years Bourbon Whiskey 100 Proof Bottled in Bond 750 ML Hard to find!In 1837, a young man from Ireland known for his . Yikes, this particular barrel of Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon smells pretty bad. Edit:As of 3/25/19, this also won best whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. (A Julios Liquors exclusive.). 10 year-old bourbon isn't nearly as easy to find these days, alas, and those McKenna 10-year single barrel bottlings are now fetching $80 to How to find henry mckenna 10 year near me Open Google Maps on your computer or APP, just type an address or name of a place . It has all the qualities of a really great bourbon: And the taste lives up to the resume. What Heaven Hill has to say about the product: This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his familys whiskey recipe to work the grains he found in Kentucky. Direct from the producer, in-stock and available for sale at the price shown. How Long Does Baileys (And Other Cream Liqueurs) Last? The brand was created by Irish immigrant, Henry McKenna. Henry McKenna 10 Year won Best Single Barrel Bourbon at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, an absolute coup for an affordable bourbon with so many other strong competitors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The bottle being reviewed is from barrel number 2068 which was barreled on 02/07/05. (You can unsubscribe anytime). I had seen the bottle in Whisky Advocate or some other publication that was discussing the comeback of bottled in bond products. Turns out, their worries were at least partially justified. Full transparency, this is an Amazon affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon. Your email address will not be published. A friend gave me a 2019-released bottle and I felt the time was right to compare it against a 2011 bottling thats been kicking around here for years. Notably spicy (especially cinnamon) and gripping on the palate the ten years in oak are not lost here. Even with a previous awful experience, I couldnt help but try it again for $50, especially one bottled before the hype train steamrolled it. The Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 holds that a bonded bourbon must be produced during one distilling season, distilled at one distillery, bottled at 100 proof, and aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Disgruntled fans took to social media to air their fears and angers that their favorite brown would gain traction post-win and experience price hikes. Its just not good. It tastes amazing with nice richness and density. The nose, is one of the best noses we have smelt on any bourbon here at The House of whisky and the whisky is truly sublime too, with lovely vanilla, toasted marshmallow and subtle spices coming through and lingering.Incredibly smooth with typical oakiness and, bourbon goodness. Just got done looking for this topic in the major article directories and was extremely disappointed by the lack of relevant information. April Fools', everyone! This is my first time buying a bottle (bottle 4772, barreled 12/27/07), and its been a while since I had drinking Henry McKenna 10 Year, so I have high expectations. 100 Proof (50% ABV) Aged 10 Years. Its just stuck being a hot and not particularly flavorful mess. Henry McKenna Single Barrel can be described as traditional; a quintessential bourbon flavor profile with the potential for subtle hints of magic if you happen to find a special barrel. Lets see what the fuss is all about. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Prohibition hit distilleries hard, and Henry McKennas family never fully recovered after repeal. Essentially, this Heaven Hills answer to Blantons and (in some ways) Eagle Rare. BrMate NOSR, Double-Wall Stainless Steel Whiskey Nosing Glass 7oz (Matte Black). When James died in 1941, Stafford finally threw in the towel and sold the distillery to Seagrams, which later sold the company rights to Heaven Hill Distillery, where the brand still resides today. All Rights reserved. ( Drink Up New York only ), Single barrel, and not chill-filtered. Henry McKenna offers an array of technicals to satisfy even the most scrutinizing bourbon purists, a satisfying quintessential bourbon flavor profile to back them up, and a price that wont break the bank. You can hold it up in sunset light and just enjoy the russet and amber hues reflecting. Henry Mckenna 10 Year Bourbon Whiskey. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Named in honor of Wild Turkeys father-son duo, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, this bourbon overdelivers on its price tag, offering affordably W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey: Despite 10 years in the barrel, its anything but over-oaked, though the oak is present from nose to finish affirming the barrels role in this bourbons maturation. Please read this important information before scrolling down to confirm that you understand the information contained using the tick box at the foot of this window, which will then allow you to access the website. Aggressively woody and leathery on the nose, it certainly smells like some of the joys been sucked out of it. Young Mr. McKenna settled in Kentucky and discovered the uniquely American drink known as Bourbon. Henry McKenna 10 Year is unabashedly dark, nutty, and rich, and its so obvious to me because I eat a lot of peanut butter. For better or worse, Henry McKenna 10 Year received some high-profile awards in 2017 and 2018, causing a huge surge in demand as everyone (including myself) flocked to try the best bourbon of 2018 and 2019. Most notable for being a 10 year old bottled in bond whiskey most bonded releases are considerably younger it was an outstanding value for what was in the bottle. The nose, is one of the best noses we have smelt on any bourbon here at The House of whisky and the whisky is truly sublime too, with lovely vanilla . Henry McKenna sold for around $35 per bottle prior to 2019. One of, if not, the worst whiskey Ive ever had, 3.5* Heaven Hill says bottles should be on shelves within the week. So while it leans-in hard on the nuttiness, chewing coaxes out more of the nuanced and welcome fruitiness that makes a big difference. This higher corn content contributes to Henry McKennas sweet, smooth tasting notes. Additionally, the BiB label must clearly identify the distillery where it was distilled and where it was bottled, if different.Henry McKenna Single Barrel shares the same mashbill as many other Heaven Hill brands (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley). A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company. About Henry McKenna 10 Year Old - The House Of Whiskey Henry McKenna 10 Year won "Best Single Barrel Bourbon" at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, an absolute coup for an affordable bourbon with so many other strong competitors. McKenna quickly disappeared from shelves, but its slowly made its way back and is widely available once again, though the price can easily stretch up to $100 or more. That variance could also mean that the particular bottle presented at competition was an exceptionrather than a ruleand the offerings on store shelves will not be likely to live up to the hype. Its a hard line, and younger ready enough bourbon cannot simply be substituted to increase production, presumably compromising quality or desired flavor profile as corporate pressures compete with the skillful selection of barrels in the rickhouse. I've actually reviewed Henry McKenna whiskey before - specifically a 10 year-old single-barrel release from K&L from way back in 2013, which I enjoyed, and a 10 year BiB single barrel that I didn't as much. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There is no way that this barrel of Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel was aged for 10 years. For us, single barrel bourbon can sometimes translate into variability in quality which may range from meh to hell yes, lets buy more for the Bourbon Finder Bunker. Kentucky is a state in the central-eastern United States with a long history of alcohol production. Theres plenty of roasted oak that definitely makes this tastes like its at least 10 years old. What happened to Henry McKenna 10 yr bottle in bond I'm in the liquor business and our prices for Henry McKenna just double from last month with out any warning. Big news out of France, as a big name goes it alone and blind tasting is called into question. Word has it that McKennas penchant for aged bourbon stemmed, in part, from a commitment to sanitation in the bourbon distillation process. Im proudly Asian American and can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and some Japanese. They felt that a higher-priced, rarer whiskey should have taken home the prize. At 10 years old and 50% ABV, youd expect this whiskey to pack a power punch, and while it does present solid oak and beautiful cinnamon spice, it does so with great finesse. [2022] - [The Whiskey Shelf] | All rights reserved, 1.5/2.0 on the color scale (auburn, polished mahogany). Rum Henry McKenna 10 Single Barrel - Review - The Bourbon Finder Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Its price has since dropped to around $75 after the San Francisco World Spirits Competition buzz died down. The smells and tastes were absolutely dominated by alcohol, to the point that I questioned if I was losing my mind. It has a satisfying mouthfeel and the 100 proof plays perfectly, providing just the right amount of burn without overdoing it. Henry Mckenna 10 Year Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Category: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Date Tasted: 7/20/2022 Country: USA Alcohol: 50% 92 Points Gold Medal Exceptional $49 Amber color. If youre on the move, thisGlencairn-like stainless steel snifter glassshould survive your travels and avoid shattered glass. "The bouquet features smells of new car leather, breakfast cereal, cornmeal, pepper and hemp. To back up though, Henry McKenna 10 Year at its core is a double-digit age statement, single barrel, and higher-proof bourbon from a famous Kentucky distillery. Sweetness, savory, and floral fragrances followed by brown sugar, fresh-baked rye bread, and malt. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Bottled and stored with producer, excludes shipping and tariffs. Henry McKenna 10 Year Old : The Whisky Exchange So whats the hype about? Drop-in your email address and we'll send you Drinkhacker's best reviews, most insightful features, and great extras like exclusive contests and giveaways, once a week. I shall call it, Peanut Butter Jelly Time. You must be 21 or over to enter this website. Weller Special Reserve 1 Liter Color: Warm golden amber. Henry McKenna has accumulated notoriety and awards over the years, making it something of a star child for the distillery. Based on this bottle alone, I dont understand the acclaim. Henry McKenna Carolina Panthers: B Points for being ambitious and paying a hefty price to move up to No. I got into bourbon for the flavor and experiences associated with it. Finally, being BiB results in a bottling proof of 100 which some consider an ideal proof and one that is higher than many other bourbons on the shelf for around $30. While we wouldnt want to try saying that five times fast, theres a lot to consider there. Pouring these two side by side reveals some immediate and startling differences. Henry McKenna is the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons. While I won this time (absolutely worth $50-60), I have no idea what you might get. Henry McKenna isnt popular enough to make it into most ABC lotteries, so finding it on the shelf (or behind the counter) is going to be your best bet. These days, its much harder to find. Henry McKenna (10 year) Bottled in Bond Single Barrel - Scotch Noob B / $70 / heavenhilldistillery.com[BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]. The other was also a Heaven Hill distillery product, Parkers Heritage Collection. Today, Heaven Hill offers Henry McKenna Single Barrel which is aged for 10 years and satisfies the Bottled in Bond (BiB) requirements. McKenna opted to scrub them down and sterilize them with boiling water before starting on a new batch. Shattered glass really sucks, soif youre on the move, thisGlencairn-like stainless steel snifter glass should survive your travels. And then in 2019 it won Best Whiskey of the Year at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition. While I will give some credit for uniqueness based on the fact that its a 10 year age stated BiB single barrel bourbon, I cannot say that those traits result in a unique flavor profile and as a result, carry less weight for me in this category than they might otherwise. Drinkhacker was founded in 2007 by Christopher Null, a longtime entertainment, technology, and lifestyle writer, award-winning winemaker, and the finicky proprietor of what has been called "the best home bar in San Francisco".