Whiskey Review: Heaven’s Door Revival Tennessee Bourbon

Introduction

Today we’re checking out Heaven’s Door Revival Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey—our first time reviewing anything from the Heaven’s Door label. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because this is the Bob Dylan-endorsed whiskey line, named after his iconic song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

Brad pointed out that thematically, this might be the most appropriate whiskey pairing we’ve ever done for a movie with this high a body count. We couldn’t resist.

This particular release is Tennessee straight bourbon, aged a minimum of six years. It’s 92 proof (46% ABV) and was sourced from a single-story rickhouse, where cooler temperatures keep aging conditions more stable. The barrels are batched and proofed down before bottling. Our sample came from friend-of-the-show Zach Johnston, who originally reviewed it for Uproxx. We had to do some sleuthing to confirm the exact expression, but we’re confident we’ve got it right.

This review is taken from our episode "John Wick / Heaven's Door Revival Tennessee Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.

Nose

Brad:
This one has a really nice cinnamon spice going on. It gets a little minty. There’s vanilla, cherry—and it kind of reminds me of a strawberry cream saver. I’m a big fan of this nose.
Score: 9/10

Bob:
I’m going to be at 7.5/10. I like a lot of the notes here—vanilla, cherry, strawberry, even almost a wheat character. But there’s one thing underneath it all that I can’t get past. It’s like a cheap whiskey note—just a little astringent, maybe even acetone. It reminds me of a $15 bottle from your cousin’s basement. I’m hoping the palate is more well-rounded.

Taste

Brad:
The palate brings a lot of those same flavors, just muted a bit. The vanilla really stands out. Cinnamon is still there, and I get a little bit of rye spice. There’s even something like apple pie filling—sugary, with a bit of juicy apple. I’m giving it an 8/10.

Bob:
“I’m in the same spot. This is definitely above average—maybe even a step beyond that. It’s not going to knock your socks off, but that black cherry ice cream note is really coming through. There’s a good amount of spice, and the minty note comes out more than it did on the nose. 8/10 for me as well.”

Finish

Bob:
“I’m going 8/10 again. It’s a long-lasting finish, with a little prickliness that lingers. That cherry note really sticks—more like black cherry than cherry cola. I really like this a lot.”

Brad:
“I’m giving it 8.5/10. It gets a little into a bread note for me. I also get leather, cinnamon, and mint. Like you said, that dark cherry really hangs on in a way I enjoy.”

Balance

Brad:
“I think this is a pretty well-balanced whiskey. The flavors are distinct, and there’s just enough complexity to keep me coming back. I’m giving it a 9/10.”

Bob:
“My score feels a little high for how I feel overall, but you’re right—it’s balanced. Nothing feels out of place. It’s a fun night out with friends kind of whiskey, and sometimes that’s enough. I’ll go 8/10 on balance.”

Value

Bob:
“At the time of Zach’s original review in 2023, this was retailing for $54.99. Brad, has that changed?”

Brad:
“Still $54.99.”

Bob:
“Love that. Thanks, Bob Dylan. Honestly, at $55 this isn’t a bad value, but I wish it were cheaper. It feels like a $40 whiskey. I’m giving it a 6/10 on value.”

Brad:
“I actually think it’s a better value than that. You’ve got some interesting flavors, and there’s real depth and complexity. I’ll go 7.5/10.”

Final Scores

Bob:
“That takes me to a 37.5/50. I’ll give it a thumbs up. This might be more of a try it before you buy it situation. But if it’s $12 a pour at your local bar, I think it’s worth every penny.

Brad:
“I’m at a 42/50. This is a fun whiskey with great flavors. I’d say go pick up a bottle”

Conclusion

With a final combined score of 39.75/50, Heaven’s Door Revival Tennessee Bourbon lands just under our 40-point threshold, where we typically give a full bottle recommendation. While it doesn’t blow us away, it’s complex, flavorful, and well-balanced—especially if you’re looking for a Tennessee bourbon with character.

At $55, it might not be the steal of the century, but it’s absolutely worth trying. Whether you're a Bob Dylan fan or just looking for a solid six-year pour, Revival is a respectable entry point into the Heaven’s Door lineup.