Tasting Tips for Bob Dylan’s Whiskey Brand
To all the Bob Dylan fans out there who have yet to taste the three Heaven’s Door whiskeys—an all-star lineup including a straight rye, double barrel, and straight bourbon—we implore you to shake off those nerves and sit down for a whiskey taste test.
To aid those with less whiskey experience, we’re here to help you have the same first impression we had. We’re sharing a few ways to enhance those flavors with pairings that will delight every palate.
What Flavor Profiles to Look For
Every whiskey has four attributes that you’ll notice: color, nose, notes, and mouthfeel. When taste testing Bob Dylan’s whiskeys, you’ll discover bold flavor profiles, each carefully illustrated by Dylan himself.
“I’ve been traveling for decades, and I’ve been able to try some of the best spirits that the world of whiskey has to offer,” Dylan explained in a prepared statement.
To create a natural progression of flavor, you’ll want to start your tasting with the regular (Tennessee Straight Bourbon), move on to the Double Barrel, and finish with the Straight Rye. While sipping these luxury spirits, take note of the following aspects:
Heaven’s Door Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Color: Light leather
- Nose: Sandalwood
- Notes: Creamy vanilla soda with spicy undertones
- Mouthfeel: Smooth
Heaven's Door Double Barrel Whiskey
- Color: Golden
- Nose: Smokey with a hint of tobacco
- Notes: Smokey tobacco
- Mouthfeel: Light
Heaven’s Door Straight Rye Whiskey Vosges Oak Barrel Finish
- Color: Mahogany
- Nose: Unfinished Oak, likely from the barrels they’re aged in
- Notes: Citrus and grassy
- Mouthfeel: Complex and riveting
Once you have a grasp of these unique flavors, try a blind tasting to see if you can distinguish the difference!
Ingredients to Pair With Each of Bob Dylan’s Whiskeys
Although each bottle of Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door collection is favored to be enjoyed neat, meaning without any added ingredients, there are simple alterations for the whiskey connoisseur and novice alike.
A Few Drops of Water
A simple trick that reduces your whiskey’s strength is a few drops of distilled water. Bob Dylan’s Double Barrel sits at 100 proof, making it the perfect candidate for this trick. Water it down to 90 proof to open it up and make it more palatable for those with less experience.
One Craft Ice Cube
Craft ice cubes are usually 1 inch in dimension and melt slower than average ice cubes. Their size helps lower the temperature of your glass of whiskey while slowly diluting it. This way, you can let the ice sit until your glass is at a desired proof.
Craft Cocktails Using Bob Dylan’s Whiskey Brand
For the cocktail lover, classic mixed drinks also do Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door justice! Try the bourbon, straight rye, and double barrel in the form of an Old Fashioned and see which agrees with your palate most.
An Old Fashioned Rendition of Heaven’s Door
Mixture
- 1 shot of the preferred Heaven’s Door whiskey
- 4 dashes of bitters
- ½ to 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 craft ice cube
Garnish
- Orange peel
Directions
Add all the ingredients under “mixture” into a glass and stir until the sugar dissolves. Gently squeeze the orange peel and add it on top to enjoy!
If an Old Fashioned isn’t your cup of tea, a Manhattan might be the better option.
A Manhattan Featuring Bob Dylan
Mixture
- 2 shots of your favorite Bob Dylan Heaven’s Door whiskey
- 1 shot of sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of bitters
- 1 craft ice cube
Garnish
- Orange peel
- 1 Maraschino cherry
Directions
Pour the whiskey, vermouth, bitters, and ice into a glass. Stir well. Squeeze the orange peel, then drop it in. Top it off with your Maraschino cherry!
Each of these variations of Bob Dylan’s whiskeys are dependent on your tastes! From the drops of water to the cocktail recipes, you can vary the amount to match your preference. You can also test each recipe out with one of the other three whiskeys. If you’re seeking where to find Bob Dylan’s whiskey in San Diego, Keg N Bottle is one of the first exclusive retailers in the area.