Weathered oak | Muted vanilla | Earthy | Light wafts of fungi | The age of the whiskey is prevalent and comes across as distinguished

Vanilla | White peppercorn | Light baking spice | Bold rye spice | Aged oak | Mellow honey | Medium viscosity | Its proof shines through in a multitude of various spices

Muted honey | Vanilla | Green peppercorn | Brash rye spice | Aged oak | Prickly heat that lingers

The Bootleg Series is an annual release by Heaven’s Door Spirits. For the inaugural 2019 release, labeled Volume 1, the company chose a 26 year low rye whiskey aged in Japanese Mizunara Oak Barrels. Each of the less than 3,000 bottles released is adorned with Bob Dylan’s painting, Train Tracks.

Bootleg Volume 1 is nothing short of intriguing. The use of rare (and expensive) Japanese Mizunara oak barrels and its 26 years of age results in a sip that doesn’t taste over-oaked, instead coming across as lively and spiced. The nose is full of unusual scents, while the palate is highlighted with a barrage of various spices that makes you stop to ponder what exactly you’re drinking. It’s these spicy notes that intertwine with softer flavors that elevate the sip and truly define Bootleg Volume 1. While the price tag for this volume was exorbitantly high, the resulting sip may persuade an individual into justifying the cost of admission should you ever happen to come across a bottle.