Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2nd Edition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

ReviewsAmerican WhiskeyRyeHeaven HillKentucky

Sep 1

The second edition of Heaven Hill’s Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey was released in July 2025. While the corn seed varietal is the ostensible star (Beck’s 6225), there are a few things here that deserve more mention.

This year’s edition went in at a considerably lower 107 proof compared to 2024’s 125 proof, the standard for Heaven Hill. What fascinates me, though, is that both releases lost exactly the same proof - 1.2, or 0.6% ABV - over about the same amount of time. 2024’s release was aged in a single warehouse (W3) in Cox’s Creek, while 2025 was in two (W5 and W6). In all three warehouses, floors 3, 4, and 5 were used, right in the middle.

I’m not quite sure what to make of this or how to interpret it, other than to say I hope they plan to continue experimenting with this line and the mashbills involved. This year’s release had a 63% Rye, 24% Corn, 13% Malt mashbill, 1% off on the rye and corn from last year. Not significant, but there, and with 18 proof points difference between the entry proof, maybe that percentage point makes a difference.

The only hesitance I have on this is that the notes don’t indicate a rye, but unlike my issues with Kentucky-style barely-legal ryes, this didn’t taste like a bourbon, simply a different type of rye. This is to say, if you’re looking for a strong rye profile, this won’t scratch your itch. If you’re interested in a sweeter-if-not-as-spicy rye, this is worth a flyer.

From Heaven Hill:

The second edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey was aged for six years at Cox’s Creek, in rickhouses W5 and W6 on the third, fourth, and fifth floors. It was bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration at 105.2 proof.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass represents our long-standing commitment to craft, transparency and quality. Each year, we select a specific corn seed varietal, which we proudly display on the label alongside the unique mashbill. The corn seed varietal chosen for the second edition was Beck’s 6225.

2nd Edition Tasting Notes (From Heaven Hill)

Color: Deep amber
Aroma: Toasted oak and almonds
Taste: Creamy orange marmalade and chocolate with nutmeg, white pepper spices and honey sweetness
Finish: Orange oil with rye spices, crème brûlée, and charred oak

This sample was provided by Heaven Hill at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2nd Edition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: Specs

Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Producer: Heaven Hill

Mashbill: 63% Rye, 24% Corn, 13% Malt

Proof: 105.2º (52.6% ABV)

Age: 6 Years Old

Location: Kentucky

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2nd Edition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Price: $39.99

Official Website

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass 2nd Edition Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Eye: Grade A maple syrup. Medium rims and large, slow teardrops.

Nose: Creamy, corn-forward and sweet with roasting cobs out of the husk. Very little rye on the nose, any way you define that. Toasting multigrain bread, fatty butter, white wine, maybe a champagne fruitiness. Rye grain flavors grow slowly, very slight caraway edge.

Palate: Spicy vanilla mid-to-front tongue, peppery heat and a bit of astringency. More rye character opens across my tongue as does a peach nectar and general stonefruit note. Mouthfeel is silky, medium-bodied, cask giving a creamy body without adding tannins. My front tongue is where this stays, coating and peppery, not rolling backwards. Lots of cloves and cinnamon rush forward on the chew.

Finish: Stonefruits and vanilla beans, kept from being too sweet by a stronger proof presence than before. Pleasant baking spice notes, sweet corn continues to be the primary flavor. Medium-length.

Overall: There’s enough rye punch in the palate and finish to indicate a rye whiskey, but that corn is quite strong. I love the grain to glass idea and want to know more about how the minute and not-so-minute differences from 2024 show up. This is creamy and peppery, au poivre sauce on a dessert (go with me). Stonefruits are enjoyable and lighten the heavy, vanilla-laden corn.