Heaven’s Door Bootleg Vol. V: 18 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Aged in Spanish Vermouth Rouge Casks

Bootleg Series Vol. V is an 18 year straight bourbon aged in Spanish vermouth rouge casks and bottled at cask strength, 114 proof. Those casks come back loaded with wormwood, bitter orange and residual fortified wine, and on a young whiskey that takes over in a matter of weeks. Eighteen years in new oak first gave this one the tannin and the weight to meet it head on, and what came back was richer, with dark fruit and allspice settled over the caramel. Nothing that took eighteen years to build should be watered down on the way out. The hand-finished ceramic decanter carries an original painting of a roadside motel with its light still on, the last place open at the end of a long drive, weathered and better for it.

Details
Size: 750ml
Age: 18 years
Proof: 114 (57% ABV)
Cask strength
Maturation: Spanish vermouth rouge casks
Fewer than 5,000 bottles. Artwork: Sky Ranch Motel. Leather-bound book case.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Subtle vanilla, dark fruit, allspice
Palate: Caramel, honey and vanilla, held in balance
Finish: Clean and unhurried, holding on long after the glass is down

Awards
Double Gold and Innovation Award, SIP Awards
Gold, 95 points, New York International 2024