Parker’s Heritage Collection 20th Edition 14 Year Bourbon honors the legacy of legendary Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam with a mature, barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon built around one of his favored production techniques: rye backset fermentation.
The whiskey begins with Heaven Hill’s classic bourbon mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley. Rather than increasing the rye percentage in the grain recipe, Heaven Hill incorporated backset from rye whiskey production during fermentation. This subtle change is designed to bring additional spice, depth and balance while maintaining the unmistakable character of traditional Heaven Hill bourbon.
Aged for 14 years and bottled at 118 proof / 59% ABV, the 20th Edition delivers the concentration expected from long-aged, non-chill-filtered, barrel-proof bourbon. The profile moves from vanilla, cooked grain, dark fruit and baking spice into rich toffee, roasted nuts, clove, nutmeg and mature oak, followed by a long finish of dry oak, raisin, rye spice and caramelized sweetness. Independent early tasting notes also highlight walnut, white fig, peanut brittle, cherry-cola accents and additional cinnamon and apple sweetness when water is added.
This release is especially significant for collectors because it marks the 20th edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a series known for exploring unusual barrel selections, mash bills, finishes and production techniques. As with previous releases, a portion of proceeds supports the ALS Association in Parker Beam’s honor. Heaven Hill reports that the collection has contributed more than $1.4 million to ALS research and patient care.
Key Features
- 2026 Parker’s Heritage Collection 20th Edition
- 14 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Made with rye backset during fermentation
- Heaven Hill traditional bourbon mash bill
- 78% corn / 10% rye / 12% malted barley
-
118 proof / 59% ABV
- Barrel-proof bottling
- Non-chill filtered
- Selected from only 100 barrels
- Distilled from late 2011 through early 2012
- Matured across multiple Heaven Hill rickhouses
- Limited nationwide September 2026 release
- Portion of proceeds benefits the ALS Association
Tasting Notes
Nose: Vanilla wafer, dark dried fruit, cooked grain, walnut, allspice and seasoned oak, with hints of citrus oil and char.
Palate: Rich and full-bodied with toffee, roasted peanut, clove, nutmeg, white fig and pepper, developing additional nutty and fruit sweetness with a few drops of water.
Finish: Long and warming with dry oak, raisin, rye spice, peanut brittle and cherry-cola sweetness, followed by lingering cinnamon and caramelized fruit.
How to Enjoy
Serve Parker’s Heritage Collection 14 Year Bourbon neat in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whiskey glass and give it several minutes to open.
At 118 proof, adding a small amount of water is especially worthwhile. Start with a few drops and taste again; this can reveal additional fruit, caramel, nuts and baking spice while softening the mature oak.
A large cube works for a slower pour, but given the age, limited production and collectible status, this bottle is best experienced primarily as a sipping bourbon.
For food pairings, try dark chocolate, roasted pecans, aged cheddar, smoked meats, bread pudding or caramel desserts.
FAQ
What is Parker’s Heritage Collection 2026?
It is the 20th Edition of Heaven Hill’s annual Parker’s Heritage Collection, featuring a 14-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon made with rye backset.
What is rye backset?
Backset is liquid remaining after distillation that is reused during fermentation as part of the sour-mash process. For this release, Heaven Hill used backset from rye whiskey production when fermenting its standard bourbon recipe.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 118 proof / 59% ABV at barrel proof.
Is it non-chill filtered?
Yes. Heaven Hill confirms that the 20th Edition is non-chill filtered.
How many barrels were used?
The release was created from 100 barrels.
When was the bourbon distilled?
The barrels were distilled between October 2011 and January 2012.
Is Parker’s Heritage Collection limited?
Yes. The 20th Edition is a limited national release beginning in September 2026, with select quantities also allocated internationally.
Does the release support ALS charities?
Yes. Heaven Hill donates a portion of proceeds from each bottle to the ALS Association in honor of Parker Beam.
