Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 Year is one of the most celebrated expressions in Heaven Hill's portfolio — a 10 year, single barrel, Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky straight bourbon that won Best in Show at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, only the second time a bourbon has ever claimed the top prize over all whiskies globally including Scotch. Named for Irish immigrant Henry McKenna, who settled in Kentucky in 1837 and developed his family's recipe using the corn he found there, this expression rests through 40 Kentucky seasons before bottling. Each bottle is individually labeled with its barrel number and barrel date, making every bottle a unique and traceable single barrel release at 100 proof (50% ABV). Produced by Heaven Hill at their Bernheim Distillery, with the same mash bill used for Elijah Craig — 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Heaven Hill Distillery (Bernheim Distillery, D.S.P. KY-1), Louisville, Kentucky — family owned since 1935 |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Single Barrel, Bottled-in-Bond |
| Mash Bill |
78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley (same as Elijah Craig) |
| Age |
10 years — one of the longest-aged Bottled-in-Bond bourbons available |
| Awards |
Best in Show Whiskey — 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition |
| Tracking |
Each bottle labeled with individual barrel number and barreling date |
| Proof |
100 Proof |
| ABV |
50% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States, Loretto and Louisville, Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and warm baking spices with spicy rye aromas, mint, orange peel, and honeysuckle. Roasted peanut and sweet tobacco develop with air.
Palate: Rich caramel, toffee, honey-roasted nuts, and rye spice with cinnamon, dried fruit, and oak. Finely tuned and impeccably balanced — this is what quintessential Kentucky bourbon should taste like. Note that as a single barrel, each bottling carries subtle variations.
Finish: Long and warming — brown sugar, honey, tobacco, leather, and cinnamon spice taper evenly.
FAQ
Why does Henry McKenna vary barrel to barrel?
Because each bottle is drawn from a single, individual barrel and bottled without blending, every release can differ slightly in flavor depending on where in the rickhouse the barrel aged and the specific character it developed. The barrel number and barreling date on each bottle allow you to track exactly which barrel you have. Most are consistently above average; occasionally a barrel reaches exceptional.
Where can I buy Henry McKenna Single Barrel online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
