Each day at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, Ky., artisanal distillers produce one barrel of American Whiskey and then patiently wait for it to come to age. It’s a hand-crafted process that involves tweaking and tasting at various stages until that specific mashbill achieves a taste profile worthy of bottling.

And now, after many years of waiting for the first barrels to quietly age to maturation, Heaven Hill Distillery is proud to announce that the first batch is ready.

Square 6 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the first bottled Bourbon produced at the artisanal distillery located in the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. The name pays homage to the original plot of land—Square 6—where Evan Williams built Kentucky’s first commercial distillery in 1783. In 2013, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was built on the same block as the historic plot. 

Square 6 is the first of many releases to come from the distillery. And according to Max Shapira, Heaven Hill Distillery President, this release is another milestone in the educational, interactive experiences offered at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, and another way for visitors to experience the aroma and taste of this truly hand-crafted process.

“From the first day Artisanal Distiller Emeritus Charlie Downs turned on the stills nearly eight years ago, to Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau patiently waiting years for this product to come of age in the barrel, today we celebrate Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality and attention to detail,” he said. 

The initial release of Square 6 is a High Rye Bourbon, a new recipe in the Heaven Hill Distillery portfolio. The mashbill consists of 52 percent corn, 35 percent rye and 13 percent malted barley. And because good things take time in the world of American Whiskey, Square 6 High Rye Bourbon has been aged to perfection and bottled at 95 proof. It has a golden amber color, with notes of tobacco, fig and honey on the nose, earthy notes with cardamom and cinnamon to taste, and a short, dry finish. 

If you’d like to try a bottle, please note that this is a limited release. Square 6 High Rye Bourbon will only be available in small quantities at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, as well as select Kentucky retailers.