How to Drink Henry McKenna 10-Year

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:23 pm

Discover my way of drinking Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled in Bond: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this bourbon.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Whiskey expert Neil Coleman suggests adding water to Henry McKenna 10 to enhance its flavor.
• Tasting method: Start neat, then incrementally add water until the desired taste is achieved.
• For chilling, use large ice cubes or whiskey stones to avoid flavor loss.
• Glassware recommendation: Glencairn glass for aroma and flavor enhancement, whiskey tumbler as an alternative.
• Tasting notes: Ethanol, vanilla, caramel, spice, with a warm palate and complex finish.
• Cocktail recipes and food pairings are provided, complementing the bourbon’s boldness.
• Preservation tips: Store in a cool, dim place and consume swiftly when the bottle is low.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink Henry McKenna 10

Bourbon expert Neil Coleman recommends enhancing Henry McKenna 10 by adding a little water.

This technique tempers its intensity while unlocking subtle caramel sweetness.

As the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond, single-barrel bourbon available, Henry McKenna holds a special place in the market.

Although it’s not the smoothest bourbon which is a common feature across whiskeys crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery, it’s praised for its satisfying complexity and depth, offering excellent value for its price.

Adding Water

Start by tasting the drink in its pure form, right after pouring it.

Then, incrementally add water, a few drops at a time, tasting as you go.

Continue this process until you find the flavor that perfectly aligns with your taste preferences.

On the Rocks

Adding ice to Henry McKenna may inhibit its flavors.

It’s advisable to add water to enhance its taste.

For those who prefer it chilled, using large ice cubes or whiskey stones is a good option, as they can cool the drink without significantly dulling its flavors.

Selecting the Right Glassware

A Glencairn glass is the preferred choice for enjoying Henry McKenna because its unique shape enhances the whiskey’s aromas and flavors, offering a more immersive tasting experience.

This glass is designed to concentrate the aroma at the top, allowing for a better appreciation of the bourbon’s subtle nuances.

However, if investing in a Glencairn glass isn’t feasible, a whiskey tumbler works well too.

It’s more about personal preference, but for serious bourbon aficionados, a Glencairn glass is a worthy investment.

Tasting Notes

Henry McKenna 10’s nose features a blend of ethanol, sweet vanilla, caramel, and light spice.

On the palate, it starts with a warm sensation that smoothly transitions to a sweet blend of vanilla and caramel, with a hint of menthol.

The finish presents a lasting mix of ethanol, rye spice, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak.

Overall, this bourbon is characterized by its spirited and enjoyable qualities.

Henry McKenna in Cocktails

Here are three cocktail recipes that pair well with a bold bourbon like Henry McKenna:

1. Bourbon Maple Sour: Shake together 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz maple syrup, and an egg white. Serve over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
2. Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider: Combine 2 oz bourbon with 4 oz apple cider, a dash of lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve hot or cold, garnished with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
3. Bourbon Smoked Honey Cocktail: Mix 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz smoked honey syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice. Stir well and serve over ice in a rocks glass, garnished with a lemon peel.

Food Pairings

Pairing a bold bourbon with the right food enhances its flavors.

Here are five food pairings to consider:

1. Grilled Steak: The richness of the meat complements the boldness of Henry McKenna.
2. Smoked Brisket: Smoky flavors blend well with the bourbon’s complexity.
3. Dark Chocolate: A classic pairing that balances the bourbon’s intensity with the chocolate’s bitterness.
4. Blue Cheese: The strong flavor of the cheese pairs nicely with the depth of the bourbon.
5. Caramel Desserts: Sweet caramel notes can match the bourbon’s inherent sweetness and richness.

Preserving the Bottle

• Keep the bottle in a cool place away from light.
• Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.
• When the bottle is down to about a quarter of its contents, it’s best to finish it soon to maintain its flavor.

About Henry McKenna 10

• This bourbon, unique in being the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond, single-barrel variant on the market, is a product of one distiller from one distillery in a single distillation season.
• Its mash bill consists of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
• Praised as “magnificent” by Jim Murray, the author of the Whisky Bible.
• Earned a high rating of 90-95 points from Wine Enthusiast.
• Henry McKenna is crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery, known for producing other notable bourbons like Elijah Craig and Evan Williams.