Heaven’s Door Bootleg Vol. VI: 12 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Finished in Limousin Cigar Barrels

Bootleg Series Vol. VI is a 12 year straight bourbon finished in Limousin cigar barrels and bottled at cask strength, 115.2 proof. At twelve years this was already deep and dark, the kind of whiskey most brands would bottle as it stands, but we had a different question about what it would do in wood built for something else entirely. Limousin oak is wide-grained and porous, French oak seasoned for fortified spirit, and cigar barrels give up cocoa, dried fruit and toasted spice quickly enough to layer over that age instead of burying it. It arrives in a hand-finished ceramic decanter meant to be poured from, not shelved.

Details
Size: 700ml
Age: 12 years
Proof: 115.2 (57.6% ABV)
Cask strength
Finish: Limousin cigar barrels
Fewer than 5,000 bottles. Artwork: Favela Villa Candido. Leather-bound book case.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich layers of dark cocoa and freshly ground coffee
Palate: Chocolate over dried fruit, with spice behind it
Finish: Clean and refined, the toasted oak holding to the end

Awards
Chairman's Trophy, Ultimate Spirits Challenge
"Another standout bourbon", Breaking Bourbon