Old Overholt 12 Year Cask Strength Rye Review

Old Overholt
Cask Strength
12 Year
Straight Rye Whiskey
117 Proof
SRP: $109.99
Review

Please enjoy our Old Overholt Cask Strength 12 Year Rye Review!

Background: Old Overholt Cask Strength Rye

Old Overholt is one of America’s longstanding rye whiskey brands, now distilled and bottled by the James B. Beam Distilling Company in Clermont, Kentucky. The brand has continued to explore extended aging and higher-proof releases through its Extra Aged Cask Strength series.

The whiskey reviewed here is Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 12-Year Rye, a limited-edition, unfiltered straight rye whiskey distilled and barreled in the spring of 2013 and aged for 12 years across four warehouses in Clermont, Kentucky. Bottled at cask strength, with proofs ranging from 53–65% ABV, this release represents the oldest expression in the Extra Aged Cask Strength series to date, following prior 10- and 11-year-old editions. The mash bill is not provided, however, this is said to be a Kentucky-Style rye. Therefore, the rye content is likely close to the minimum of 51% allowed.

Details: Old Overholt Cask Strength 12 Year Straight Rye Review

• Brand: Old Overholt
• Producer: James B. Beam Distilling Company
• Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Series: Extra Aged Cask Strength
• Age: 12 Years
• Filtration: Unfiltered
• Proof: 117 Proof (Range: 53–65% ABV, 106-130 Proof)
• Distilled & Barreled: Spring 2013
• Bottled: Summer 2025
• Aging Location: Four warehouses in Clermont, Kentucky
• Release Type: Annual limited edition
• Price: $109.99 (750mL)

Tasting Notes: Old Overholt Cask Strength 12 Year Rye Review

🛏 Rested: 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻 Nose: Mildly sweet with mild dry oak, light rye spices & hints of rye bread; also raspberry jam, tart lime citrus, tan caramel and a touch of hot cinnamon. The alcohol vapor is appropriate for the proof. Darker stone fruits and a hint of leather become noticeable later on.
👉🏻 Taste: Moderately sweet simple syrup, dark caramel, mild rye spices, tart orange citrus, and white pepper spice.
👉🏻 Finish: Increasingly dry with growing white pepper spice and rye spices. A hint of leather appears after a moment, followed by tart lemon citrus, mild barrel char and dry oak, which linger for quite some time along with mild rye spices. Long, with a deep warmth and lasting dry wood, spice, and char.

Summary: Old Overholt Cask Strength 12 Year Rye Review

The flavors in the nose are a nice mix ranging from sweet to tart to spices. While the flavors are full, they are not at all overbearing. Dark stone fruits become more noticeable after a sip or two, adding further depth. The palate is a bit more subdued compared to the nose, but it carries many of the same flavors forward.

Moving into the finish, the profile shifts toward a drier and spicier direction, with an added touch of barrel char. The finish lasts a very long time, leaving lingering deep warmth along with mild dry oak, smoky char and spice on my tongue.

Conclusion: A Complex Full Flavored Mature Rye

Old Overholt Cask Strength 12 Year Rye is a mature rye, through and through. The core rye spice and citrus notes are still present, but the more intense flavors and sharper edges often found in younger ryes have mellowed, allowing older barrel flavors to join in. The higher corn content of this “Kentucky-Style” rye is likely playing a part in the flavor profile, as well. The result is a full-flavored rye whiskey that reflects its age while definitely retaining its identity as a rye whiskey. If you’re looking for a well-aged rye that makes the most of its maturity, this Old Overholt Cask Strength 12 Year Rye is one to seek out. Have you tried it? What did you think? Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Old Overholt Cask Strength 12 Year Straight Rye Whiskey Review! Next, why not read about the Clermont Supper Club Featuring Overholt Rye or about the James B. Beam Distilling Tour or our Baker’s 13 Bourbon Review!

Note: This sample was graciously provided by the Brand for my review. I appreciate it!

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