It’s that time again to review a product sent to me by a distillery. I am always honored to review a bottle or sample offered with no strings attached from a distillery and as I have always stated, no matter where this bottle or sample comes from, I will always provide an honest review of that product. Thank you Heaven’s Door for noticing my writings/website and allowing me to write this review. With that, today’s review comes from the Heaven’s Door Distillery and is their newest release of Heaven’s Door Exploration Series I.

Bottle Information

From the press release: This inaugural Exploration Series release from Heaven’s Door marks a profound embrace of French influence, skillfully integrating product, wood, and technique. Our award-winning Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey comprises the foundation, matured with freshly dumped Calvados Brady casks, and enriched by the introduction of medium-heavy toasted French oak staves. Calvados, a Normandy apple brandy, matures for a minimum of two years in these casks before harmonizing with our bourbon, imparting sought-after notes of fresh apple cider and baked apple brandy.

• Distiller: Bottled by Heaven’s Door Spirits
• Mash Bill: Non Disclosed
• Proof:108
• Age: 5+ Years
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $79
• 2024 National Average: $TBD
• Official Website

As I mentioned in January when reviewing another sample Heaven’s Door sent, several bottles have become more readily available in NoCo over the past year. However, I have yet to see any of the recent samples I have been provided. Overall, this is definitely for you if you like a sweet fruity pour! For me, the nose was delightful, however, the sweetness was a bit overpowering on the palate, but I fell in love with the long drawn out sweet dry oak finish. Throughout the tasting, the influence from the Calvados Brady casks was very prominent with apples galore at every moment. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Pez Candy, Apple, Marshmallow, Vanilla, and Brown Sugar
• Palate: Caramel, Red Apple, Vanilla, Oak, Walnut, and Baking Spices
• Finish: Long Colorado Winter Hug with Notes of Dry Sweet Oak and a Caramel Apple
• My Rating: Mix It/Drink It! (If you like a sweet fruity pour, this is definitely for you! For me, the sweetness was a bit over powering, but I loved the long sweet mixed with dry finish.)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™