They say whisky'll kill you, but I don't think it will
I'm ridin' with you to the top of the hill
-- Bob Dylan, Nettie Moore

I've wanted to try Bob Dylan's Heaven's Door Whiskey ever since I heard about Dylan's new venture with Spirits Investment Partnership. I'll confess, my interest in trying the whiskey came more from an interest in Dylan's music more than the drink itself but, that being said, who doesn't like a good whiskey, endorsed and sold by Dylan or not? 

For those who are not aware of the story of Heaven's Door whiskey, BreakingBourbon.com writes, 

Heaven's Door Spirits is a collaboration between legendary artist Bob Dylan and Spirits Investment Partnership ("SIP"). Bob Dylan's first and only brand partnership, Heaven's Door is aimed to be an ever-evolving portfolio of handcrafted whiskeys in collaboration with different master distillers and blenders from across the country. According to the company's press release, Marc Bushala, CEO of SIP said "Rather than make a single whiskey or work with one master distiller, we thought it would be far more interesting to work with various master distillers and blenders to make whiskeys that would each have their own unique signature." 

The company's initial trilogy of releases includes a Straight Tennessee Bourbon, a Double Barrel Whiskey, and a Straight Rye Whiskey, finished in "Cigar" Barrels from Vosges, France. Heaven's Door Double Barrel Whiskey consists of a combination of three different whiskeys that are blended together and finished in hand toasted new American oak barrels for an additional year. Heaven's Door inaugural releases were created by Ryan Perry of Heaven's Door Spirits and master distiller Jordan Via, formerly of the Breckenridge Distillery. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to try Heaven's Door "Revelation."  This particular product is a Double Barrel Whiskey, 100 Proof, and finished in New Toasted Oak Barrels. There is no information on the mashbill except that it is a blend of "our Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye Whiskey." The bottle states that the whiskey is "re-barreled in custom 59 gallon Oak casks to rest for up to six months." 

The Heaven's Door website describes the Nose as "Maple with milled grains and a light nuttiness. Dried berries, vanilla custard, and toasted oak." This is largely true, though I would argue that the smell of oak is overwhelmingly the dominate note here. 

The Palate is described as "Toasted Caramel, fried dough, dark cherry, Meyer lemon. Dry oak, vanilla bean, dried apricot, creme caramel. Coconut backed by orange oils and cocoa. Warm butterscotch with woody overtones." However, despite all of these elements indeed being present, the palate is not overly complex. The Dark Cherry and Dry Oak are, by far, the most prominent notes. 

All in all, Heaven's Door "Revelation" contains sweet notes combined with a heavy woody flavor, just what it claims to deliver. 

What is notable, however, is that, despite containing Straight Rye Whiskey in the blend, the Rye aspect is heavily dulled. The whiskey is smooth from start to finish. Surprisingly smooth, in fact. One would scarcely even notice that the drink is 100 proof. 

In this writer's opinion, Heaven's Door is well worth a try, whether you're a fan of Dylan or a fan of whiskey in general. 

Either way, this isn't just some celebrity product that couldn't survive without the celebrity. It's a product that can easily stand on its own merit and does just that when given the chance. 

If you're wondering where you can find your own bottle of Heaven's Door "Revelation," Micky Finn's Liquor and Beverage Warehouse carries a variety of products in Dylan's collection and at a price no one in the area will be able to beat.  

Photo credit: Christine Blum 

Located just south of the North/South Carolina border, right off I-95 exit 170 (across from Buc-cee's), Micky Finn's Liquor and Beverage Warehouse is a convenient stop if you're traveling on the interstate or otherwise passing through South Carolina. Micky Finn's is fast becoming a destination stop in its own right. 

From rare Bourbon's Scotch, Tequila, Vodka, Gin, Rum, allocated products and more, Micky Finn's is the most important stop to find the best prices on the East Coast. The Beverage Warehouse also carries a selection of liquors distilled in South Carolina, as well as products that can't be found anywhere else. 

Photo credit: Christine Blum

The Beer and Wine selection is just as diverse, with a variety of Craft Beers and Beers brewed in South Carolina or the local area. 

If you find yourself in Florence, SC, or if you're just passing through the state, do yourself a favor and take a moment to explore Micky Finn's Liquor selection. You might as well pick up a bottle of Heaven's Door while you're at it. 

Note: Micky Finn's has three locations in Florence, SC. Heaven's Door is carried at the Liquor and Beverage Warehouse location (3035 Dr. Johnny Bruce Rd. Florence, SC 29506).