To Bourbon Enthusiast, the A.H. Hirsch name is among the All Time Greats, and a true bourbon “Unicorn”. A.H. Hirsch bourbons often top the lists of “The Best Bourbons You Will Never Get To Drink”due to both its rarity and price, often surpassing even Pappy 23 yr. in its value. While there are several older aged versions that are both rare and highly sought after, it’s the A.H. Hirsch 16 yr. that is considered by many to be one of the best American bourbon ever produced. These rare A.H. Hirsch bourbons were originally purchased shortly after they were distilled in the mid 70’s from the original renowned Bomberger’s/ Michter’s Distillery in Pennsylvania, years before it closed in the late 80’s. 
The Hirsch bourbons (no A.H.) you will find today are inspired from those legendary A.H. Hirsch bourbons, through a selected range of sourced whiskeys that celebrate the history of American whiskey, offered in a range of styles. One of those styles is the Hirsch 8 yr. High Rye Bourbon.
The Hirsch 8 yr. High Rye Bourbon is a blend of 2 different mash bills (rye 21% and 36%), in barrels with a duel char levels (#2 & #4), and is distilled by MGP here in Indiana.
(Speaking of Indiana, if you’re looking for this unique bourbon, you will ONLY find Hirsch 8 yr.High Rye Bourbon at Payless!!!)
Nose: Rye hits the nose up front, with hints of toffee and some soft vanilla. Oak enters prominently, with some alcohol/ menthol notes, but quickly mingles with notes of sweet maple and spice to offer just the right amount of intrigue that inspires that first kiss… I mean sip.
Taste: Sweetness hits the lips first, a bit like candied fruit, with hints of honey. Spice quickly rolls in, almost like a fog rolls over a hillside and engulfs a landscape. As your pallet is quickly filled with this cloud of spice, notes of corn and oak start to become more present in the mid pallet. The oak, however, is kept at bay by that cloud of spice, and the last remaining bits of sweetness that survived the rolling rush snuggle into the middle of the tongue to hang around for the highly anticipated finish.
Finish: A medium to long finish results from the spice that joined those sweet notes on the tongue, like that third wheel on a good first date just don’t seem to want to go home early. But, like a good wingman, notes of cocoa and white chocolate join in, taking the spice slowly away with it, but before totally going their separate ways, leaves a lasting memory of spice and honey that demands a date over this drink to be revisited.
This Hirsch 8 Year High Rye Bourbon is at the top of “The Best Bourbons You Will Never Get To Drink” list. If you are a Bourbon enthusiast you want to get your hands on a bottle. Contact us today to reserve your bottle. Payless Liquors is the only location in Indiana you will find this at. Cheers!
