Heaven Hill Fragrant Drops 16 Year Single Cask Corn Whisky

Sixteen years in a single Heaven Hill corn cask gave this Fragrant Drops release a very specific, very addictive personality. It feels like a bottled Southern dessert.

Distilled at Heaven Hill’s Bernheim distillery in 2009, this is full-on American corn whisky, drawn from one bourbon barrel and bottled at near 120 proof. The cask keeps things focused, amplifying sweetness, corn character, and slow-building spice without burying the grain under heavy oak.

The nose leans into warm cornbread with honey, vanilla fudge, and toffee, drifting into buttered popcorn, coconut shavings, and soft baking spice. Light oak, toasted sugar, and a touch of lemon peel keep it from feeling one-note or syrupy.

On the palate, it lands thick and almost creamy, with caramel corn, vanilla custard, and sweet cream icing rolling over gentle oak and cinnamon. Corn sweetness feels deep rather than simple. Hints of roasted peanut, banana chip, and browned butter slide in as the heat rises, giving the dram a playful, nostalgic edge.

The finish runs long and warming, packed with caramel corn, toasted coconut, and brown sugar over mild oak and lingering spice. Sweetness fades gradually, leaving buttered corn, vanilla, and soft nutty notes on the tongue. It drinks beautifully neat after a short rest, though a few drops of water can tease out more bakery tones.

Nose: Warm cornbread with honey, vanilla fudge, and toffee leads, backed by buttered popcorn, coconut flakes, and soft baking spice. Light oak, toasted sugar, and a hint of lemon peel bring lift and balance.

Palate: Rich and mouth-coating, the palate shows caramel corn, vanilla custard, sweet cream frosting, and gentle cinnamon over polished oak. Roasted peanut, banana chip, and browned butter appear with time, adding depth while the proof stays pleasantly assertive.

Finish: The finish stretches out with caramel corn, toasted coconut, brown sugar, and a mild oak glow.
Lingering spice, buttered corn, and subtle nuttiness keep the aftertaste cozy and inviting.

This single cask corn whisky loves comfort food with a bit of char and sweetness. Think smoked pork shoulder with a maple glaze, grilled chicken thighs with honey chili lacquer, or skillet cornbread with crisp edges.

On the cheese side, reach for aged Gouda, buttery Havarti, or a mild blue that can ride the sweetness without clashing.
Desserts shine here: pecan pie, banana bread pudding, caramel bread pudding, or simple vanilla bean ice cream with salted caramel sauce all echo its caramel corn core.