Introduction Heaven Hill’s Grain-to-Glass line made a big impression on me last year, with the 2024 wheated release becoming one of my favorite bourbons of the entire year. This time, though, I ended up with something different — and even more unique. For 2025, Heaven Hill is running two concurrent Grain-to-Glass lines: the standard annual series (Straight Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, and Rye), and the Specialty Barrel "First Edition" series, which explores more experimental woods. The bottles I picked up belong to this specialty branch and were fully matured in Chinquapin Oak, an American oak variety known for adding richer spice, deeper tannin, and warm, bready sweetness. At 52.5% ABV, this 2025 First Edition Wheated Bourbon comes in lower than last year’s release, but with its unique barrel profile and limited nature, I was excited to dive in and see how this new direction compares — and I’m already planning to track down the standard 2025 wheated release for comparison. Nose The pour opens with a surprising rush of ethanol, making it seem higher proof than it actually is. After a minute of air, the heat subsides and the body opens up with fruity, yeasty, and softly sweet notes. Brown sugar, a touch of vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon lead the way. Darker fruit appears on deeper nosing—over-ripened cherry, dried apricot, and a bittersweet citrus note reminiscent of orange pith. A faint dry roasted nut shows up at the very back of the nose, though it remains subtle behind the fruit and citrus. Taste The palate begins with a strong foundation of brown sugar and vanilla that runs through nearly the entire profile. The mouthfeel is notably viscous, adding a slightly yeasty character that, when combined with baking spice, suggests something like a cinnamon roll without icing. Past the halfway point, the bourbon dries out and the spice ramps up. The cinnamon becomes more pronounced, and a clear tannic oak presence emerges. A bittersweet orange pith note appears on the back half, carried by the bourbon’s dense, coating mouthfeel. It comes across like a thick, bitter orange oil—more citrus peel than fruit, without the sweetness of marmalade. Finish The finish opens with a strong hit of tannic oak, immediately taking the lead. A brief thread of vanilla carries over from the palate before fading out. As the finish develops, a mix of orange pith and gentle spice appears—bittersweet citrus with a mild peppercorn-or-cinnamon warmth. Toward the end, as everything dries, a faint dry roasted nuttiness emerges, echoing the nose and rounding out the fade. Overall, it’s a medium-length finish: oak-forward at the start, briefly sweet, mildly spiced, citrus-tinged, and ending on a subtle nutty dryness. Conclusion This First Edition Specialty Barrel release is a strong and layered showing — complex, thoughtfully constructed, and very different from the classic Grain-to-Glass profile. While I still give a slight edge to the 2024 wheated release, this chinquapin-oak expression stands confidently on its own, offering a fresh take with deeper tannin, warm spice, and a more experimental finish. Because this is part of the Specialty Barrel series, it sits parallel to the standard annual Grain-to-Glass offerings, which means I’ll definitely be seeking out the regular 2025 wheated bourbon as well. The differences in crowd ratings suggest subtle profile shifts that I want to explore. The First Edition bottles are still obtainable depending on stocking days, and while they come at a premium SRP, the limited nature and unique maturation make them worth the pick-up. Overall, this is a distinctive, well-balanced wheated bourbon that adds an exciting new dimension to the Grain-to-Glass lineup.