BSB 103 is the high-proof, no-holds-barred version of Heritage Distilling's award-winning Brown Sugar Bourbon — nicknamed "High Altitude" because at 103 proof (51.5% ABV), it sits considerably above the standard BSB expression. Heritage Distilling Co. is a craft distillery based in Gig Harbor, Washington, and one of the most decorated craft distilleries in North America — the most awarded craft distillery in the country by the American Distilling Institute for seven consecutive years from 2014 to 2020. The original BSB was named World's Best Flavored Whisky at Whisky Magazine's World Whisky Awards in both 2018 and 2019. BSB 103 builds on that foundation with the same recipe, cranked up to a bolder, more bourbon-forward proof.

The mash bill is a classic corn, rye, and malted barley blend, barreled at less than 125 proof and aged in new charred American oak for a minimum of two years before being cut to 103 proof using Heritage's private water source. Natural brown sugar and cinnamon flavors are then added — not artificial ingredients — resulting in a whiskey that delivers real bourbon backbone alongside a rich sweetness. It has a powerful kick that the standard BSB lacks, making it a better choice neat or on ice as well as in cocktails.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Rich amber with warm golden tones

Nose: Rich brown sugar, warm cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel. More bourbon character than the standard BSB — the higher proof lets the spirit come through.

Palate: Sweet brown sugar and baking spice lead, backed by genuine bourbon warmth and oak. Distinct notes of cinnamon throughout. Less cloying sweetness than the standard BSB — the 103 proof gives it real structure and a proper whiskey presence.

Finish: Long and warming — lingering sweetness and cinnamon spice with a satisfying bourbon kick.

FAQ

What is the difference between BSB and BSB 103?
The standard BSB is bottled at 60 proof (30% ABV) — smooth, sweet, and approachable, but with less bourbon character. BSB 103 uses the same recipe but is bottled at 103 proof (51.5% ABV), which adds significant bourbon structure, reduces the perception of sweetness, and gives it the backbone to sip neat or on ice as well as mix. Think of 103 as the grown-up version of BSB.

What are the best cocktail uses for BSB 103?
BSB 103 shines in a shot, on ice, in hot coffee or cider, stirred into a Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, or mixed with cola or ginger beer. At 103 proof it also holds up better than the standard BSB in spirit-forward cocktails where the whiskey needs to cut through ice and mixers.

Where can I buy Heritage BSB 103 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.