High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review

High N’ Wicked
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Proof: 98.2
Age: 5 Years
SRP: ~$80
Review

Please enjoy our High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review by John Spicer!

High n’ Wicked History

High n’ Wicked was founded in 2019 by W. L. Lyons Brown, III, and Kevin E. Sachs, two former Brown-Forman senior executives who were instrumental in building Jack Daniel’s and Southern Comfort in Europe and Asia. The firm’s goal is to present ultra-premium whiskeys that honor traditional methods of delivering exceptional flavors. Their year-round releases include a bourbon and rye, which are occasionally available as various limited release expressions, such as barrel proof, single barrel and double wood finishes. In addition, the brand releases additional limited releases which include high-aged bourbons, as well as Single Malt and Single Grain Irish Whiskeys.

The Specifics – High N’ Wicked Rye Review

High N’ Wicked has made a few changes since they released their original rye. The proof was raised from 90 to 98.2 and the mash bill was changed from 95% rye and 5% malted barley to 91% rye and 9% malted barley.

Distillery: New Riff Distilling (bottled by High N’ Wicked)
ABV: 49.1% (98.2 Proof)
Mash Bill: 91% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
Barrels: Medium toast #4 char American Oak from Independent Stave Co.
Age: Minimum of 5 Years
Filtration: Non-chill filtered

Tasting Notes – High N’ Wicked Rye Review

Let’s taste it:

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻Nose: Bold grassy notes, black pepper, aged tobacco, citrus zest, dark cocoa
👉🏻Taste: Oily buttery richness, Earl Grey tea, cracked black pepper, cinnamon, chocolate, sorghum syrup, faint nuttiness
👉🏻Finish: Cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, cocoa, dry oak; long; warm

High N’ Wicked High N’ Wicked Rye Whiskey is Definitely a Rye

In the nose, there’s no mistaking High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey for anything but a rye. It opens with bold, grassy notes and a sharp hit of black pepper that immediately asserts itself. Well-aged tobacco wafts in the background, adding a dry, earthy character. Letting it sit in the glass allows the nose to open further, revealing layers of citrus zest, dark cocoa, and a whisper of sweetness. This is an assertive and classically rye-forward nose with complexity that rewards a bit of patience.

The first sip coats the mouth with an oily, buttery richness. This is a layered pour—notes of Earl Grey tea, cracked black pepper, and cinnamon roll across the tongue, grounded by hints of chocolate and a subtle sweetness that brings to mind sorghum syrup. There’s also a faint nuttiness that adds some texture and depth. This is not a shy whiskey—it drinks bigger than its proof, with bold, concentrated flavors and a firmly spicy edge.

The finish of High N’ Wicked Rye is long, warm, and unapologetically spicy. Cinnamon and Szechuan peppercorns take the lead, lingering with a tingling sensation that hangs on the palate. The spice fades slowly, giving way to faint cocoa and dry oak as it resolves.

Summary

High N’ Wicked Rye is a traditional, no-nonsense rye that delivers bold flavor and a punchy experience from start to finish. It’s got the backbone and intensity that rye lovers crave, but at $80, it’s competing with several standout bottles that offer comparable (or better) character at a lower price point. If you love classic rye spice and aren’t afraid of a little heat, this will scratch the itch—but it may not do enough to rise above the pack.

Have you tried High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey? What did you think? Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review by John Spicer! Next, why not read our High N’ Wicked Bourbon Review?

Note: This bottle was graciously provided by the brand for my review. Thank you!

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