Heaven’s Door The Bootleg Series Volume 1

The Heaven’s Door whiskeys were launched in early 2018 as a trio of American whiskeys, having been designed to be approachable for Dylan’s laid-back fan base and not just whiskey aficionados. Heaven’s Door is a collaboration between the well-known musician Bob Dylan and co-founder of Angel’s Envy, Marc Bushala.

The three initial whiskey releases were a Tennessee bourbon, double barrel bourbon, and a rye. Each different release comes in a hand designed bottle featuring some of Dylan’s own metalwork, though the Bootleg series is going to be different. In the case of Bootleg, each release comes in a ceramic bottle, featuring Dylan’s paintings from over the years.

Currently, the whiskeys are sourced from undisclosed locations, though there are plans to start up a distillery in Nashville, TN in an old church built in 1860. “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,” said Bushala at the time. “By working with different whiskey artisans for each new expression, the portfolio would be more diverse and eclectic.”

Bushala embarked on a mission to connect with the artist and explore ideas. Together, they developed the idea of creating this new whiskey collection.

Whisky Review: Heaven’s Door Bootleg Series Volume 1

Vital Stats: 111.5 proof, 55.75% ABV. Aged 26 years and finished in Mizunara Oak barrels. Low rye mash bill. ~ $380 per 750ml bottle.

Appearance: Somewhere between a pale gold and a bright orange. The bottle comes with an individually numbered leather case to make it a collector’s item. The bottle itself is ceramic and hand-made, featuring one of Bob Dylan’s own paintings.

Nose: This one begins with plum and raisin, then delves into a light nuttiness. There’s also some background notes of vanilla bean and oak.

Palate: A medium bodied whiskey with a fairly long finish. Flavors of honeydew, vanilla, and a touch of clove spice. Given, the higher proof, adding a few drops of water bring out some of the more floral notes.

Heaven’s Door Spirits, in collaboration with Bob Dylan, announces the first expression of its limited edition Bootleg Series, a rare 26-year old whisky finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels. This first release, dubbed Volume 1 of the Bootleg Series, is both a celebration of the creative spirit of Bob Dylan and the craft of fine whiskey at its best.