One of the perks of my line of work is discovering the best of the best, then comparing the best with other bests, never really having to choose the absolute best. This helps when your palate is not forged from the gods, but rather cultivated over years and over a hundred tastings. Whiskey tasting is subjective, but there are times I can categorically say a whiskey is just plain great. I’ve found I can say that about every expression I’ve had the pleasure of tasting and reviewing from Heaven’s Door Distillery, and the newest Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Vol. V 18-Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Spanish Vermouth Casks is one of the best yet!

I am admittedly a huge fan of Bob Dylan, but I can say that doesn’t factor in at all in my reviews of Heaven’s Door Spirits, Dylan’s whiskey company founded in collaboration with Spirits Investment Partnership. The annual Bootleg Series is overseen by Master Distiller Ken Pierce and Master Blender Alex Moore, with Moore explaining the choice of finish in a prepared statement as – “Vermouth has long been a part of whiskey cocktail culture, and we wanted to capture that essence in this mature Bootleg Series expression. We chose Spanish Vermouth casks to finish the 18-year-old bourbon to provide depth of flavor and complexity that perfectly complements the whiskey’s character.”

The Bootleg Series is a tribute to Bob Dylan’s Rare & Unreleased tracks from his Bootleg Series, and each release features a unique original painting by Dylan and bottled in hand-crafted ceramic container, with the cherry on top being the bespoke leather journal the expression is presented in. This Bootleg Series Vol. V showcases Dylan’s 2019 “No Vacancies” from his Beaten Path Collection. All in all, it’s a gorgeous presentation that contains a complex and rich whiskey.

The 2023 release of Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Vol. V is available online and at select retailers nationwide for $599. The whiskey comes in at a powerful 57% ABV (114 Proof) and is an 18-Year Straight Bourbon finished in Spanish Vermouth Casks. The price is hefty for the average whiskey drinker, but I can say with confidence that, if you can swing it, it’s worth it in my eyes. Whiskey can be an investment, but as I see it, it’s an investment in exploring and community, as I love sharing with those closest to me who I know will appreciate trying something new and novel.

Aesthetic:

A beautiful, silky, dark oak color, with long legs that glide down the side of the glass.

Nose:

I’m struck with the familiar notes of maple syrup and lemon, an astringent aroma mixed with sweet. Then comes allspice, dates, and a rooty, earthy taste, followed by hints of walnut.

Palate:

Each sip offers something new for my palate, growing in complexity as the tasting continues. Citrus is present, but what stands out is brown sugar and cocoa, that maple syrup at times replaces the brown sugar, but the effect is the same, as these notes make for a smooth, oily mouthfeel with a long finish.

Rating: 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃 🥃 /5

**This whiskey was provided as a review sample by those who created and released it. My reviews are my own, and I tell it how I taste it.**