Heaven Hill Distillery has announced the 2025 edition of its Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-edition release that underscores the distillery’s commitment to transparency, craftsmanship, and the agricultural roots of American whiskey. Produced entirely in Nelson County, Kentucky—from seed to bottle—this small-batch expression embodies the ethos of the nation’s largest family-owned and operated distillery.
A Whiskey Born From the Soil of Nelson County
The 2025 bottling is built around a mashbill that elevates wheat as a defining secondary grain. Comprised of 52% corn, 35% wheat, and 13% malted barley, the bourbon departs from Heaven Hill’s traditional recipe in order to showcase the softness and nuance that wheated whiskey can achieve. The corn varietal—Beck’s 6225—along with the wheat, is grown by Peterson Farms, a family-run operation located on two sites within Nelson County. The decision to source locally emphasizes the distillery’s grain-to-glass philosophy: knowing precisely where every kernel begins its journey before entering the rickhouse.
After distillation at the Bernheim Distillery, the whiskey rested more than six years in Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek warehouses. It has been bottled non-chill filtered and at barrel proof, coming in at 106.6 proof (53.3% ABV), ensuring that the full spectrum of flavors remains intact.
Tasting Notes: A Rounded Wheated Bourbon
The whiskey pours a burnished copper, a visual prelude to its layered profile. Aromas of caramelized sugar, vanilla, and sweet oak open the experience, followed by subtler notes of lavender and rose petals. On the palate, vanilla and caramel intertwine with delicate floral tones, creating a creamy, rounded texture. The finish lingers with toasted nuts, leather, and a touch of coffee—classic wheated bourbon warmth with a nuanced edge.
“This edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon celebrates not only the tradition of wheated bourbon but also the transparency that defines this series,” explained Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Master Distiller. “From the choice of Beck’s 6225 corn seed to bottling at barrel proof, every decision reflects our mission to share the complete story of how great whiskey is made.”
Transparency as Tradition
The packaging of the 2025 release continues the series’ storytelling tradition. Each label features detailed illustrations of Bernheim Distillery alongside artwork honoring Kentucky farming traditions. The bottle itself lists the mashbill, corn varietal, distillation process, and release year—a literal account of the whiskey’s journey.
The bourbon is bottled in 700ml format and will be available across the United States beginning this fall, priced at $99.99. This year’s edition also supports Farm Rescue, a nonprofit celebrating 20 years of providing assistance to farm families facing crisis.
Recognition and Legacy
The Grain to Glass series has already made its mark in the whiskey world. The 2024 edition was named a Best of Class finalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and earned a Double Gold at the Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards.
With the 2025 bottling, Heaven Hill once again blends heritage with innovation, offering bourbon lovers not just a whiskey, but an unfiltered glimpse into the farming, distilling, and aging processes that define America’s whiskey tradition.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Earlier this month, Heaven Hill launched its Master Distillers Unity Bourbon.
