Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon, 10 Year, Bottled-in-Bond

Overview & Background

Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel Bottled‑in‑Bond is a highly regarded bourbon from Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky. (heavenhilldistillery.com)

The bourbon is aged for 10 years, and each bottle comes from a single barrel, with the label indicating the barrel number and the barreling date. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Because it is Bottled‑in‑Bond, it must adhere to strict U.S. legal standards:

• distilled in one season,
• aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least 4 years,
• bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV),
• from a single distiller at one distillery. (heavenhilldistillery.com)

Henry McKenna’s branding pays homage to Henry McKenna, an Irish immigrant who adapted his family’s whiskey traditions to Kentucky. (heavenhilldistillery.com)

This expression is often praised as one of the longest‑aged Bottled‑in‑Bond single barrel bourbons on the market. (heavenhilldistillery.com)

Technical Specs & Production Details

Because it is single barrel, flavor can vary somewhat from bottle to bottle. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Tasting Notes & Impressions

Below are characteristic aromas, flavors, and impressions collected from reviewers, users, and the distillery.

Aroma / Nose

• Heaven Hill’s official notes: vanilla, caramel, oak, with a light herbaceous touch. (heavenhilldistillery.com)
• Reviewers detect seasoned oak, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon or spice. (breakingbourbon.com)
• Some single barrel examples show deeper dark notes: dried cherries, char, oak char, or old wood. (bourbonpaddy.com)

Palate / Taste

• Commonly, you’ll find caramel, vanilla, oak, and rye spice emerging in the mid to back palate. (breakingbourbon.com)
• Breaking Bourbon describes graham cracker, balanced intensity, with a steady rise of spice. (breakingbourbon.com)
• Some bottles show dark chocolate, roasted nuts, charred oak, and a somewhat dry, woody edge. (scotchnoob.com)
• In several user reviews, one notes caramel, cherry, oak, leather, and spice. (Reddit)

Finish

• The finish is often described as long, sweet, spicy, with oak / char / leather accents. (secretwhiskeysociety.com)
• Some drinkers report the finish turning dry, with oak or wood bitterness lingering. (scotchnoob.com)
• Others emphasize that the rye spice gradually fades, giving way to honey, tobacco, or layered oak. (breakingbourbon.com)

Variation & User Experience

Because each barrel can vary, “hit or miss” is a common refrain. Some bottles are exceptional; others are more moderate. (Reddit)

One user wrote:

“The hits are really good; the misses are just meh.” (Reddit)

Another:

“Do not pay way over MSRP … Good, but not substantially better than WT101 or EC Small Batch.” (Reddit)

“People Also Ask” — Key Questions & Answers

Here are some typical questions people ask about Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel BiB.

1. What proof is Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled‑in‑Bond?

It is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). (heavenhilldistillery.com)

2. How old is Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel?

It is aged for 10 years, a full decade. (breakingbourbon.com)

3. What is the mash bill for Henry McKenna 10 Year?

It uses a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley (a “high rye” formula). (breakingbourbon.com)

4. Is Henry McKenna 10 Year bottled in bond?

Yes — it fulfills the Bottled-in-Bond legal requirements (single distillation season, aged in bonded warehouses, bottled at 100 proof, etc.). (heavenhilldistillery.com)

5. Is Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel still made / available?

Yes — while it’s in high demand and often allocated, it remains in active production as an ongoing release. (bourbonpaddy.com)

6. How does Henry McKenna 10 Year taste?

Expect caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, with rye kick, possibly dark chocolate or char in some barrels, and a long, sometimes dry finish. (breakingbourbon.com)

7. Is Henry McKenna 10 Year worth buying?

Often considered a strong value when priced close to MSRP. At inflated secondary prices, the risk of variability increases. Many enthusiasts buy when available at fair price but avoid paying large markups. (Reddit)

Strengths, Weaknesses & Comparative Context

Strengths

• Age & Bottled-in-Bond: A decade in barrel plus BiB certification adds credibility and maturity.
• Balanced & approachable: Many reviews praise its balance between sweetness, oak, and spice, with none dominating unduly. (breakingbourbon.com)
• Single barrel distinction: Gives the opportunity to find standout barrels and profiles.
• Heritage & reputation: The McKenna name and its awards (e.g. San Francisco World Spirits) add prestige. (Reddit)
• Flavor complexity in good barrels: When the barrel is strong, it delivers deeper layers (dark fruit, char, leather).

Weaknesses / Risks

• Barrel inconsistency: Some bottles may underperform compared to others.
• Oak / dryness dominance: In some examples, overly woody or dry notes dominate, losing nuance. (scotchnoob.com)
• Heat / alcohol impact: Though it’s 100 proof, in some barrels the ethanol is more present than expected. (The Whiskey Shelf)
• Secondary price inflation: When bottles are sold far above MSRP, value becomes a gamble. (Reddit)
• Milder body in some bottles: A few reviewers note a lighter mouthfeel than expected for a 10-year bourbon. (scotchnoob.com)

In comparison with peers like Wild Turkey 101, Elijah Craig, or other Heaven Hill products (Evan Williams single barrel, etc.), McKenna 10 Year BiB stands out for its age, single barrel status, and bottle identity — but its variability means comparisons depend heavily on the specific barrel and price.

Conclusion

Henry McKenna 10 Year Single Barrel Bottled‑in‑Bond is a standout bourbon that combines age, heritage, and distinction via its Bottled‑in‑Bond and single barrel credentials. In its best form, it delivers a harmonious blend of caramel, vanilla, oak, and rye spice, finishing long and richly. Many bourbon enthusiasts regard it as one of the best value “aged BiB” bourbons when priced fairly.

However, its single barrel nature means variability is a fact of life: some bottles shine brilliantly, while others may skew drier, woodier, or less expressive. The risk is magnified when bottles command high secondary prices. For buyers, the safest strategy is to purchase from trusted sources at or near MSRP, and always be prepared for variation.

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