14-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Made with Rye Backset
Since 2007, the Parker's Heritage Collection has paid annual tribute to Parker Beam, Heaven Hill's late Master Distiller Emeritus and one of modern bourbon's most respected craftsmen. The 20th Edition marks a milestone anniversary for the series, honoring Parker's legacy with a 14-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey built around a production technique he long championed: rye backset fermentation.
Backset is the portion of liquid remaining after distillation that gets reused during fermentation of the next batch — part of the traditional sour mash process. For this release, Heaven Hill incorporated backset specifically from rye whiskey production into its classic bourbon mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. Rather than changing the grain recipe itself, this subtle technique layers in additional spice, depth, and balance while preserving the unmistakable character of traditional Heaven Hill bourbon.
Drawn from just 100 barrels distilled between October 2011 and January 2012, this whiskey rested a full 14 years across four Bardstown rickhouses — Rickhouse A (2nd floor), Rickhouse KK (1st and 2nd floors), and Rickhouses L and M (3rd floor). Bottled at barrel proof and non-chill filtered, the 20th Edition delivers the full concentration and complexity expected from long-aged, high-proof bourbon.
"Parker understood that the smallest details in the whiskey-making process can have a meaningful impact on the final pour," said Conor O'Driscoll, Heaven Hill Master Distiller. "This edition reflects that belief, using rye backset to create a 14-year-old Bourbon with remarkable depth, balance, and spice."
Tasting Notes
Nose: Vanilla, cooked grain, dark fruit, and baking spice.
Palate: Rich toffee, roasted nuts, clove, nutmeg, and mature oak, with the rye backset's peppery spice running through the mid-palate.
Finish: Long, warming, and tannin-edged, with seasoned oak, leather, and lingering caramel and brown sugar.
Why Collectors Seek This Out
20th anniversary edition of Heaven Hill's celebrated Parker's Heritage Collection
Full 14-year age statement — genuinely mature, barrel-proof bourbon
Rye backset fermentation technique long associated with Parker Beam himself
Extremely limited — sourced from only 100 barrels
Bottled at 118 proof (59% ABV), uncut and non-chill filtered
Continues the collection's long-running charitable tradition supporting ALS research
20th Edition — Limited to 100 Barrels, September 2026
Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Parker's Heritage Collection named after?
The collection honors Parker Beam, Heaven Hill's late Master Distiller Emeritus, whose decades of craftsmanship and innovation shaped the distillery's whiskey-making philosophy. The series has paid annual tribute to his legacy since 2007.
What is rye backset, and why does it matter here?
Backset is the liquid remaining after distillation that gets reused during fermentation as part of the traditional sour mash process. For this release, Heaven Hill used backset specifically from rye whiskey production, incorporating it into the standard bourbon mash bill to add spice and depth — a technique long favored by Parker Beam.
How old is this bourbon and how many barrels were used?
This release is aged a full 14 years, distilled between October 2011 and January 2012, and sourced from just 100 barrels selected across four Bardstown rickhouses.
What proof is it bottled at?
The 20th Edition is bottled at barrel proof — 118 proof (59% ABV) — and is non-chill filtered, preserving its full natural character.
Is this a limited release?
Yes. With only 100 barrels used for the entire release, this is an extremely limited, highly allocated bottling available at select retailers nationally and in select international markets.
What does it taste like?
Expect vanilla, cooked grain, dark fruit, and baking spice on the nose; toffee, roasted nuts, clove, nutmeg, and mature oak on the palate; and a long, warming finish with seasoned oak, leather, and lingering caramel.
Does this release support any charitable causes?
The Parker's Heritage Collection has a long-running charitable tradition of supporting ALS research, continuing awareness efforts connected to Parker Beam's own battle with the disease.
