Heaven Hill 10 Year Old Corn Whiskey bottled by Artful Dodger

Independent bottler Artful Dodger managed to smuggle a phenomenal Kentucky gem across the Atlantic. Securing this particular liquid from customs bureaucracy was an absolute triumph! They acquired a specific parcel of 2009 vintage spirit from Heaven Hill, a Kentucky distillery celebrated for its massive, steady industrial output. Instead of relying on the conventional charred oak regimen, they diverted this distillate into a single Port pipe for a decade of quiet transformation. The collision between the profound red-fruit influence of the fortified wine cask and the fundamental, earthy character of traditional American corn yields an unorthodox profile. It breaks all conventional rules.

Yielding a paltry 381 bottles globally, cask #152726 remains fiercely scarce and highly coveted by serious collectors. You rarely encounter high-proof corn distillate leaning so heavily into dark, brooding territory. Bottled at a hefty 59.3% ABV, the liquid retains a viscous, muscular texture that effortlessly carries the immense weight of the Portuguese wine maturation. Such rigorous aging eradicates any juvenile edges. What an absolute powerhouse of flavor!

• Distilled in 2009 at Heaven Hill Distillery
• Matured fully in a single Port pipe
• Bottled at 118.6 proof without chill-filtration

Nose: A dense wave of dark cherries and juicy figs immediately rises from the glass. The robust Port influence brings heavy blackberry jam and a distinct, bitter-herbal undercurrent reminiscent of a Negroni. It feels remarkably heavy.

Palate: The texture hits the tongue with immense, syrupy weight. Sweet corn provides a solid backbone, quickly overtaken by waves of stewed plums, roasted walnuts, and leathery oak. Heaven Hill’s signature nuttiness fights through the wine-driven fruit.

Finish: The high proof drives a long, warming fade out. Lingering tannins clash beautifully against fading notes of dark chocolate and spiced fruit compote. It leaves a dry, satisfying grip.

Rich, fatty meats work brilliantly against the high proof and profound fruitiness of this pour. Pair a neat glass with slow-smoked beef brisket. It's a match made for carnivorous cravings! The charred, peppery bark harmonizes beautifully with the deep Port notes, while the alcohol cuts straight through the melt-in-your-mouth marbled fat. Sharp, aged cheddar also provides a phenomenal contrast. It effortlessly grounds the extravagant sweetness of the corn whiskey.