Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information
Rye Whiskey Reviews
At BourbonObsessed.com we love bourbon. However, we love rye, too! On these pages, you will find all of our Rye Reviews, starting with the most recent. To instead read all of our bourbon reviews, or all our whiskey reviews of any type, click one of these: Bourbon Reviews / All Whiskey Reviews. Finally, to see a list of all of our bourbon, rye and other whiskey reviews on one page, click this link: List of All Bourbon, Rye and Other Whiskey Reviews.
To search for a particular rye whiskey review or any type of whiskey review, simply type all or part of the name of the whiskey in the search box below.
Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey Review – Classic Series
Penelope’s new Classic Series rye is here. Will the 92-proof Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey be your next everyday pour? Read our full review to find out!
2026 Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11 Year Rye Review
The fourth annual Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength release is an unfiltered, 11-year-old rye bottled at 125.6 proof. Did it live up to my expectations? Read my review to find out!
Woodinville Single Barrel Cask Strength 7 Year 100% Rye Review
Woodinville has expanded its single-barrel program nationally with a seven-year, cask-strength 100% rye. My bottle came from barrel No. 12538 and was bottled at 117.54 proof. Read my review to learn more!
Chicken Cock Old Glory Review | Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Blended With Laird’s Apple Brandy
Chicken Cock Old Glory is a limited-release blend of Kentucky straight rye whiskey and Laird’s Apple Brandy created to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Does this unusual collaboration work? Read on for my full review and tasting notes.
Old Forester 117 Series High Angels’ Share Rye Review | Fruity, Mature & Surprisingly Dry
Old Forester 117 Series High Angels’ Share Rye is the latest release in the distillery’s limited 117 Series. Created from barrels that experienced unusually high evaporation during maturation, this rye delivers concentrated flavors, surprising complexity and a profile that evolves dramatically from nose to finish. Read my full review for all the details!
Angel’s Envy 10 Cask Strength Rye 2026 Review | Mellow Rye Spice, Buttered Rum & Black Pepper
Angel’s Envy has expanded their annual Cask Strength lineup with the debut of their first age-stated rye whiskey: 2026 Angel’s Envy 10 Cask Strength Rye. Finished in Caribbean rum barrels and bottled at 111.6 proof, this limited release offers a more mature and layered take on rye whiskey. Read on for our full review!
Sazerac Rye Full Proof vs Sazerac Rye 90 Proof Comparison Review
Buffalo Trace expanded the Sazerac Rye lineup with the release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof. But how does it compare to the classic 90-proof version? Ray Marcano tastes them side-by-side to find out which offers the better overall experience. Check out the full comparison review!
Frey Ranch Farm Strength Rye Review (124.52 Proof)
Frey Ranch Farm Strength Rye is an uncut, 124.52 proof rye made from estate-grown grains. It delivers a bold profile that drinks easier than expected. Read my full review to find out more!
Hurst Knoll Rye Whiskey Review
Hurst Knoll Rye Whiskey by Rare Character is a Kentucky straight rye aged at least seven years and bottled at 101 proof. Designed with cocktails in mind but also enjoyable neat, this citrus-forward rye brings well-balanced structure to classic drinks. Find out more in my review!
Ampersand Malus Review
Ampersand Malus blends rye whiskey and Calvados apple brandy into one unique pour, bottled at 92 proof. If you enjoy apple-forward spirits with layered spice, this one might surprise you. Read the full review to learn all about it!
Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof Rye Review
Launched in late 2019, Wheel Horse Whiskey sources their bourbon and rye from Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky. They blend and bottle their products in Rhode Island. Stephen Corrigan, their Barrel Master, leads their whiskey production, cask finishing and barrel selections for each batch. How did this first batch of blended barrel proof rye turn out? Read our review to find out!
Rabbit Hole Amrûlé Review
Rabbit Hole Amrûlé is a limited Distillery Series release built on Boxergrail Sour Mash Rye, finished for nine months in custom Maple Brûlé barrels. It’s bottled at 104.4 proof and sold distillery-only for $49.99. Read on for our full review!
Pursuit United Barrel Proof Triple Mash Rye Review
Pursuit United’s Barrel Proof Triple Mash Rye brings together three rye mash bills from two distilleries, Bardstown Bourbon Company and Sagamore Spirit. It’s bottled at a robust 121.8 proof, and, along with the “low” 88 proof expression were announced as line extensions earlier this year. Read on to learn more about this high proof rye!
Old Overholt 12 Year Cask Strength Rye Review
Old Overholt pushes its Extra Aged Cask Strength series further with a 12-year-old straight rye bottled unfiltered at cask strength. Read on for our full review and thoughts on this mature rye release!
Jack Daniel’s Tanyard Hill Rye Review
Jack Daniel’s Tanyard Hill Rye arrived as Jack’s newest Single Barrel Special Release, matured nearly ten years in one of the distillery’s oldest hilltop barrelhouses and bottled at barrel proofs ranging from 130.2 – 148.8 proof. My bottle came in at almost 146 proof! Curious how it drinks? Read on for my full review!
Blue Note Honey Rye Cask Review (2025)
Blue Note is back at it with another release of their much-anticipated Honey Rye Cask Whiskey. After last year’s release sold out quickly, they knew if had to bring it back for another run again this year! Read our review and find out how it compares!
Sagamore Spirit 10-Year-Old Rye Review
Sagamore Spirit 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey is the brand’s oldest release to date. Distilled in Indiana and blended and bottled in Maryland at 110.8 proof, this limited release showcases the depth of a mature rye whiskey. So, what’s it like? Learn all about it in our full review!
Angel’s Envy Peated Cask Rye Review
Angel’s Envy Peated Cask Rye brings together Kentucky rye and Islay peat in a bold, distinctive expression proofed with petit eaux. Learn more in our full review.
Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye Review
Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye is a 4-grain straight rye whiskey made with dark pumpernickel rye and aged at least four years. Learn more about this unique whiskey in our full review.
Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol 5 Review (2025)
Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol 5 (2025 release) takes rye whiskey in a new direction with a French oak extra añejo tequila barrel finish. Citrus-forward, and surprisingly seamless, it’s a pour worth exploring. Read my full review to learn all about it!
The 8 Best Bourbons and Ryes For Summer Sipping
Even though it’s August, there are still quite a few hot summer days ahead. Let’s take a look at some bourbons and ryes that are well-suited for balmy weather.
Heaven Hill Grain To Glass Rye Review – 2nd Edition – 2025 Release
The 2nd edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye (2025) is crafted from locally grown grain, a unique Beck’s corn hybrid, and a mash bill that sets it apart from Heaven Hill’s flagship ryes. That, along with a low barrel entry proof and barrel strength bottling, contributes to a distinctive flavor profile, with more fruit, richer flavors, and vibrant cinnamon spice. Read our full review to learn all about it!
Oaklore Story Series: Port Cask Finish Rye Whiskey Review
Oaklore Story Series Port Cask Finish Rye is a North Carolina-made whiskey that balances dark stone fruits and jammy notes with a dry, mildly spicy finish. Finished for up to 18 months in mature port barrels, this rye showcases how well a port cask finish can complement the spice and herbal character of a rye whiskey. A nuanced and enjoyable pour with flavors that meld beautifully — discover all the details in our full review!
Roulette Rye Whiskey Review
Roulette Rye from Proof and Wood is a 95/5 MGP rye blend offering sweet cherry, peppery spice, and subtle ginger notes—all for just $30. Its approachable flavor and smooth character make it a great option for both dedicated rye fans and those just starting to explore the category. Read our full Roulette Rye review to see why this value pour might be worth a spot on your shelf!
15 STARS Founder’s Reserve Rye Review – A Complex Blend of Fine Aged Rye Whiskeys
15 STARS Founder’s Reserve Rye is the brand’s most mature rye blend to date, combining straight rye whiskeys aged 8, 9, 13, and 14 years distilled in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. This whiskey delivers a refined, mature and evolving flavor profile where citrus, softened rye spice, and hints of dark fruit, confectionary notes and mature oak come together in a contemplative, slow-sipping pour. With impressive layering and complexity, this rye showcases the blending expertise that has become a hallmark of 15 STARS. Learn all about it in our review!
Bourbon Rabbi 8 Year Single Barrel Rye Review
Bourbon Rabbi 8 Year Single Barrel Rye is a well-aged Kentucky straight rye whiskey, distilled and aged at Bardstown Bourbon Company and bottled by the Bourbon Rabbi. This kosher-certified whiskey offers a balanced and flavorful profile, with sweet and tart citrus, spice, and a pleasantly dry finish. With solid complexity and depth, it’s an enjoyable pour for rye whiskey fans. Read our full Bourbon Rabbi 8 Year Rye review to learn more!
Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde Review (2025)
Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde marks the return of a well-received 2020 release, brought back by popular demand. Chicken Cock’s core rye whiskey is finished in blonde ale barrels from Goodwood Brewing and bottled at 100 proof. The flavor profile blends malty sweetness, rye spice, and citrus into a balanced pour with a pleasantly dry finish. While it’s a fitting choice for a “Ryeteous Summer,” its well-rounded character makes it enjoyable any time of year.
Romulan Rye by Star Trek Spirits and Stellum Spirits Review
Star Trek Spirits Romulan Rye is a bold, cask strength whiskey blended by Stellum Spirits and bottled in an eye-catching Romulan Ale-style bottle. It delivers a citrus-forward flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, spice, and dry oak. With its high proof and bold character, this rye is best suited to whiskey drinkers who enjoy higher-proof pours. Star Trek fans may be drawn in by the collectible packaging, but those accustomed to barrel-strength whiskey will find the liquid inside equally worth exploring. Read our full Romulan Rye review to learn more!
Sagamore Spirit 7 year Cask Strength Rye Review
Sagamore Spirit 7 Year Cask Strength Rye is a 123-proof Maryland-made whiskey crafted from a blend of high-rye and low-rye mash bills, all triple distilled and aged for seven years. Produced grain-to-glass at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery in 23-barrel batches, this non-chill filtered rye is hand-bottled and made with 100% non-GMO corn in the low-rye component. The result is a bold yet balanced whiskey, with rich, spicy complexity and a long, warming finish. Read our full review to learn about this flavorful rye!
High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review
High N’ Wicked Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is a 5-year-old rye distilled at New Riff Distilling in Newport, Kentucky, bottled at 98.2 proof and priced at around $80. This rye delivers a bold, complex flavor profile with good structure, and the intensity that rye lovers crave. Read all about it in our review!
The Senator Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey Review
The Senator Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey is a minimum 5-year-old rye whiskey from Proof & Wood Ventures. It is distilled in Indiana, bottled at 112-121 proof and priced at around $80. With layered flavors including orange, rye spice, and hot pepper, and a long finish marked by sweet candied orange, this whiskey stands out for its balance, complexity, and bold character. It’s an exceptional pour that delivers both richness and warmth. Read more in our review!
Brush Creek Rye Review
Brush Creek Rye is a straight rye whiskey blended at Brush Creek Distillery in Saratoga, Wyoming, using two Indiana-sourced mash bills. Aged 4–6 years and non-chill filtered, the whiskey has a derived mash bill of 87% Rye, 8% Corn, 5% Barley. It’s bottled at 94 proof, and priced at ~$58. If you enjoy a well-blended Indiana rye with both minty and citrus notes, some spice and a drying finish, then you’ll want to give this rye a try.
Minden Mill Rye Whiskey Review
Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey is a 94-proof, estate-produced rye crafted by Minden Mill Distilling in Nevada’s Carson Valley. It is made from 100% estate-grown grains and pure water, sourced from a well fed by Sierra Nevada snowmelt. The rye is aged four years in both new American and French oak barrels with a #3 char. The unique mash bill features 80% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% malted barley. In addition, Minden Mill Rye is aged in a climate-controlled rickhouse tied to a weather station in Nelson County, KY. Its blended and bottled on site.
Veritable Distillery Releases Ship’s Bell Bourbon
Press Release Veritable Distillery Debuts, Bottling The Spirit(s) Of New EnglandConnecticut-Based Distillery Revives Centuries-Old Techniques with the Launch of Ship’s Bell Bourbon & Southwick’s American Gin Read our Veritable Distillery Ship’s Bell Blended Bourbon Review! Veritable Distilling Unveils First Two…
AM Scott’s Rye Whiskey Barrel Proof Review
AM Scott’sRye Whiskey Barrel Proof116.6 proofAM Scott DistilleryMSRP: $54.99Review Please enjoy our AM Scott’s Rye Whiskey (from AM Scott Distillery) Review by Ray Marcano! Readers know I generally don’t like ryes. But this one is pure fire. History The A.M. Scott…
AJ Schreiner Heritage Rye Review
AJ SchreinerHeritage RyeStraight Rye Whiskey100 ProofAge: 6 yrsBatch 1MSRP: $124.99Review Please enjoy our AJ Schreiner Heritage Rye Review! Steeped in History AJ Schreiner Spirits truly has a unique history. I know, I know; you’ve heard that before. However, in this…
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Review (2024)
Thomas H. HandySazeracStraight Rye Whiskey2024 Release127.2 ProofMSRP: $149.99Review Please enjoy our Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey Review! The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey is part of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, an annual release generally…
Lasso Motel 10-Year Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review
Lasso MotelSingle Barrel Rye WhiskeyAged 10 YearsCask Strength – 122.4 ProofMSPR: $89.99Review Please enjoy our Lasso Motel 10-Year Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review! Lasso Motel Whiskey Is A New Brand, But They Have Come Out Swinging! Lasso Motel…
The 10 Best Bourbons Under $50 For Your Holiday Party
We hope our list will help you find the best bourbons under $50 for your holiday party! We’ve included a couple of ryes, too, to help you mix things up! So, you’re throwing a holiday party. Awesome! Your friends will…
Old Elk Straight Rye Whiskey Review
Old ElkStraight Rye Whiskey100 ProofOld Elk DistilleryFort Collins, COMSRP: $79.99Review From the bottle label: “At Old Elk Distillery, the proof is in the bottle. In his distinguished career spanning more than four decades, our Master Distiller, Greg Metze, has distilled…
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye Review
Sagamore SpiritDouble OakAged 6+ YearsA Blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys96.6 ProofBatch 8A0MSRP: $64Review Please enjoy our Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye Review! The Sagamore Spirit Distillery The Sagamore Spirit Distillery produces rye whiskeys in the old Maryland style. They are located in South…
Southern Star Double Rye Review
Southern StarDouble RyeA Blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys88 ProofBatch 14Southern Distilling CompanyMSRP: $34.99 (Distillery Price)Review Please enjoy our Southern Star Double Rye Review! (from Southern Distilling Company) From the distillery: Southern Star Double Rye is a Select Blend of two…
Elijah Craig Straight Rye Review
Elijah CraigStraight RyeKentucky Straight Rye Whiskey94 ProofMSRP: ~$30-33(original MSRP was $29.99)Review Please enjoy our Elijah Craig Straight Rye review! “Spicy Rye Perfectly Balanced with Corn for a Distinctly Smooth Taste” – Heaven Hill Distillery Elijah Craig Straight Rye was announced…
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Review
Elijah CraigToasted RyeKentucky Straight Rye Whiskey94 ProofMSRP: $54.99Review Please enjoy our Elijah Craig Toasted Rye review! “Our Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Toasted New Oak Barrels – Twice Barreled for Flavor“ Both Elijah Craig Straight Rye and their Toasted Bourbon…
Knob Creek 10 Year Rye Review
Knob Creek Rye was first introduced in 2012. The portfolio has expanded over the years, with this latest addition now boasting a 10-year age statement. Intrigued? Dive into our detailed review to explore more about this delicious whiskey!
Hatozaki Omakase Rye Mizunara Cask Finish Review
Hatozaki Omakase Rye Mizunara Cask Finish is the third in the distillery’s Omakase series. This rye whiskey is first aged in American new charred oak barrels and then aged further in Japanese Mizunara barrels, in Japan. So how does the spicy Japanese oak affect the rye? Read our full review to find out!
Never Say Die Rye Review
Never Say Die Rye is distilled in Kentucky, then shipped to England, where it is further aged, proofed down and bottled. It has bright rye flavors, with added complexity from some unexpected notes. Read our full review to learn all about it!
Brother’s Bond Rye Review
Curious about Brother’s Bond Rye, the rye whiskey from The Vampire Diaries stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley? This blend offers bright citrus and rye spice flavors, with a spicy, dry finish. Want to know more? Check out our full review to see if this rye is for you!
Penelope Tokaji Cask Finish Rye Review
The Penelope Tokaji Cask Finish Rye is a limited-edition rye whiskey aged 8 years and finished in Hungarian sweet wine casks. This unique twist on rye whiskey offers a surprisingly sweet and complex flavor profile, with notes of pepper, honey, orange peel, and even a hint of chocolate. Want to learn more? Then read our full Penelope Tokaji Cask Finish Rye review by Ray Marcano!
Castle & Key Woolgatherer Amburana Finished Rye: A Rye Whiskey for the Adventurous Palate. Review.
Castle & Key’s Woolgatherer Amburana Finished Rye pushes boundaries! This rye whiskey ventures into amburana cask finishing, with an added touch of gin. We explore the unique taste profile influenced by rye spice, amburana sweetness, and lingering gin botanical notes. Is this rye whiskey for you? Read our review to find out!
Green River Rye Review
Green River Rye is a new, approachable, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. This 95/5 rye should appeal to those new to rye or who prefer a more balanced flavor profile than some of the other ryes out there. Blended from 4-6 year old barrels and bottled at 95 proof, it offers a great value at just $34.99. Want to learn more about its tasting notes and why it deserves a spot on your bar? Read our full review!
Basil Hayden Malted Rye Review
Basil Hayden Malted Rye is the latest addition to the Basil Hayden line. It is made with 100% malted rye, giving it a bit of extra body for its 80 proof. So what’s it like? Read on to learn more!
Union Horse Barrel Strength Reunion Rye Review
Union Horse Barrel Strength Reunion Rye is a unique whiskey that takes you on a flavor journey from fruit and rich dark caramel to white pepper spice and dry oak. Our review dives into the details. Read on to find out all about it!
Union Horse Reunion Rye Review
Union Horse Distilling’s 93 proof Reunion Rye is an enjoyable whiskey with complex fruit notes up front, relatively mild rye spices and a lingering white pepper finish. Union Horse rye offers a unique tasting experience, particularly for those who prefer less intense rye flavors. To learn more, read our full Union Horse Reunion Rye Review.
Stauning Tequila Finished Danish Rye Whisky Review
Stauning Tequila Barrel Finished Danish Malted Rye Whisky is a unique rye made with local floor-malted grain, aged in heavily charred virgin oak and finished in a tequila barrel. It has a sweet, fruity character reminiscent of raisin bread, with mild smoke and white pepper spice in the finish. This single barrel store pick is an intriguing introduction to the distillery and Danish whiskies in general. Learn all about it in our review!
Sagamore Spirit Port Finish Rye Review
The Sagamore Spirit Distillery in South Baltimore is known for its rye whiskeys made in the old Maryland style. Their Sagamore Spirit Port Finish Rye, first released in 2019, is aged 6 years in high char new American oak barrels, and then finished an additional 3 years in port barrels. It has a complex flavor profile, well suited for cold weather and the holiday season. Read our review to learn more!
Maryland Rye Revival
The Maryland Rye Revival & Symposium, sponsored by the Maryland Distillers Guild, took place in Baltimore, MD in November 2023. It featured educational seminars, industry panels, and tastings of Maryland-made rye whiskies. Topics covered included the history of Maryland rye, the rise of the Maryland craft distillery, the role of women and cocktail culture in the rye revival, and the use of three-chamber stills. The event concluded with a grand tasting of Maryland-crafted rye whiskeys, as well as ryes and bourbons from outside Maryland.
Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Rye Review (2023)
Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP) recently announced the release of the newest member of the Rossville Union Rye family – Rossville Union Bottled in Bond Rye. It’s aged 6 years and made from a unique mash bill of 51% rye and 49% barley malt. So, what’s it like? Read our full review to find out!
Mersey Craft Spirits Rye Review
Mersey Craft Spirits Rye is a blend of high and low rye mash bills, distilled and aged in North Carolina, and bottled in Alabama. So what’s it like? Read our review to find out!
Old Ezra 7 Rye Review
Old Ezra 7 Rye is a blend of 95% and 51% rye whiskeys, distilled by Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP) and released by Lux Row Distillers. It is bottled at 114 proof. How did it turn out? Read on to find out!
Rebel 100 Rye Review
Since merging with MGP, Lux Row Distillers has introduced 3 new rye whiskeys: Old Ezra 7 Year Rye, Rebel 100 Rye, and most recently, Ezra Brooks 99 Rye. The Rebel 100 Rye is a 2 year old rye using a low rye mash bill and selling for under $20. So what’s it like? Read our review to find out!
Ezra Brooks 99 Rye Review
First there was Ezra Brooks 99 Bourbon. Now, there is Ezra Brooks 99 Rye. So how is this new, reasonably priced rye from Lux Row Distillers? Read on to find out!
15 STARS First West Rye Review
15 STARS First West Rye, along with Triple Cask, are the two latest releases from 15 STARS. 15 STARS First West Rye is a blend of straight ryes that were distilled in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. Coincidentally, those are the same states where it will be sold. The ryes are aged 6, 7 & 8 years. Read all about it in our review!
Pursuit United Sherry Finished Rye Review
Pursuit United Rye Finished with Sherry French Revere Oak is one of the first two whiskeys of Pursuit Spirits new Oak Collection. It begins with the standard Pursuit United Rye mash bill, which is aged and then finished utilizing oak compliments from Innerstave. So, what’s it like? Read our review to find out!
Wilderness Trail 7 Year Rye Review
Well, things just keep moving forward at Wilderness Trail Distillery. It seems like just last year they released their Small Batch Bottled In Bond Rye. Now, they are releasing their Small Batch Bottled In Bond Rye that is 7 years old! I have had a lot of Wilderness Trail’s whiskeys, but this is the first of their ryes that I have tried of that age. What’s it like? Read our review to find out!
Michter’s US*1 Rye Review
Michter’s US*1 Rye is a Kentucky Rye, meaning that it uses close to the minimum allowable percentage of rye in its mash bill. However, it packs quite a bit of flavor for its relatively low proof. Want to learn more? Read our full review!
Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye Review
Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye begins with an 11 year old straight rye whiskey. The rye was then put into barrels that previously held Bayou XO Mardi Gras Rum. The barrels were originally filled in March and then allowed to finish in Louisiana for a little over a year. If you think of Louisiana in the summertime, there’s quite a bit of heat and humidity which should have an interesting effect on the barrels, and it did! Learn more in our full review!
Old Elk Rum Cask Finish Rye Review
Old Elk’s Cask Finishing Series had its first release back in 2021. For this year’s release, in addition to the return of some old favorites, Old Elk Distillery is releasing their first Rye Whiskey Finished in Barbados Rum Casks! What’s this Old Elk Rum Cask Finish rye like? Read our full review to find out!
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Rye Whiskey Review
The Bardstown Bourbon Company has just released its Origin Series, the first whiskeys produced entirely in-house! The Origin Series Rye is aged for 5 years 8 months and finished in a “zebra” barrel of alternating toasted American oak and cherry wood staves. Read our review to find out what it’s like!
Wilderness Trail Maple Rye Review
First, Wilderness Trail made some rye whiskey. After the barrels were dumped, maple syrup from Vermont aged in them. Then, after the syrup was dumped, the barrels were filled with 5 year old rye whiskey and aged another 6 months. An voila! We have Wilderness Trail’s first finished whiskey!! What’s it like? Read our Wilderness Trail Maple Barrel Finish Rye review and find out!
Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Rye Review
Dixon Dedman, the great-grandson of Kentucky Owl’s founder, revived the brand back in 2014. Their initial The Wiseman release, back in September 2021, was a bourbon. Kentucky Owl released The Wiseman Rye in April 2022. So what’s it like? Read our review to find out!
Blue Run Emerald Rye Review
Blue Run Spirits recently released their second rye, Blue Run Emerald Rye. Golden Rye, which I have reviewed previously, was their first. In contrast to the Golden Rye, Emerald Rye was contract distilled by Blue Run Liquid Advisor Jim Rutledge at Castle & Key Distillery. In addition, Emerald Rye is bottled at barrel proof whereas Golden Rye was bottled at 95 proof. So how is the new Emerald Rye? Read our full review to find out!
Pursuit United Rye Review
Kenny Coleman and Ryan Cecil, the creators of the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, founded Pursuit Spirits in 2018. They initially produced select sourced single barrels under the Pursuit Series label, but now focus on their own brand of blended whiskeys, Pursuit United. They released their first whiskey, a bourbon, back in early 2021, followed by their rye, later that year. The Pursuit United Rye that I am reviewing today is their second rye release, designated by Batch 7CC on the label. So how is it? Check out our full review to find out!
Square 6 High-Rye Rye Review
The Square 6 High-Rye Rye is the second release from the artisanal distillery at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. You may be wondering why it is a High-Rye Rye? Well, read our review to find out!
Tuesday Tidbit: TerrePURE, Terressentia and OZ Tyler
So what’s TerrePURE and what does it have to do with bourbon? Well, the TerrePURE process was developed by the Terressentia Corporation back around 2007. The process purifies alcoholic beverages using ultrasonic energy and oxidation. Few details have been revealed except to say that it could remove unwanted congeners (byproducts of fermentation) as well as convert some fatty acids to more flavorful esters. This process would overall “purify” a spirit and make it more flavorful.
Ragged Branch Rye Review
Ragged Branch Distillery is located near Charlottesville, VA. As a “farm-to-bottle distillery” they grow all their own grain, on land they either own or lease. Their initial whiskeys were bourbons. However, back in 2015 they had an excess of rye and were deciding what to do with it. Master Distiller Dave Pickerell stated what would seem like the clear choice: they should make a rye whiskey! He formulated a mash bill that is a bit unique, being 83% rye and 17% malted barley. So I was interested in finding out what this somewhat unconventional Ragged Branch Virginia Straight Rye Whiskey was like!
Alias Straight Rye Whiskey Review
When is a straight rye whiskey almost not a straight rye whiskey? When it’s the Alias Straight Rye Whiskey from the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana!
Ragtime Rye Applejack Finished Review
Ragtime Rye Applejack Barrel Finished pays homage to two early staple spirits of the Northeast, rye whiskey and applejack. There is no hiding the applejack flavors in this rye! Right from the start, I am greeted by apples in multiple forms. However, those flavors blend perfectly with the rye spiciness, both subduing and embracing it. The spice and a bit of a burn that come out in the finish remind me that this is indeed a 100 proof rye. A very apple-ey rye, but a rye for sure!
Old Hillside Rye Review
The Last Rye’d Straight Rye Whiskey honors the history of the black jockey. An overlooked part of the early days of horse racing is the role of the black jockey. It was a pretty dominant one which unfortunately fairly abruptly came to an end due to some societal changes that took over the industry around the turn of the century.
Rabbit Hole Starlino Rye Review
Starlino Rye is the first release of Rabbit Hole’s Distillery Series. According to Rabbit Hole, the Distillery Series “will deliver a collection of extraordinary spirits that push the boundaries of craft and creativity.” As the name implies, Rabbit Hole’s Distillery Series will be available at the distillery, but also at select retailers.
Midway Distilling Rum Finished Rye Review
The Midway Distilling Company represents a new line of finished rye whiskeys from Bluegrass Distillers. The rye itself is distilled by none other than MPG of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. That’s not bad at all, since we know MGP makes a great rye. In fact, the rye whiskey used is the good ‘ol 95/5 rye (that’s 95% rye, 5% malted barley); MGP’s hallmark. The rye is aged 4 years, and is then finished at Bluegrass Distillers, in Lexington, KY, in a variety of different barrels.
Sagamore Spirit 6 Year Rye Review
Sagamore Spirit has the goal of reviving rye production in Maryland. Yes, I did say Maryland. At one point, Maryland was a significant producer of whiskey in the US, with the majority of that whiskey being rye. However, rye in general began its demise in the mid 20th century and Maryland Rye soon all but ceased to exist. Until now.
George Dickel – Leopold Bros Collaboration Rye Review
The George Dickel – Leopold Brothers Collaboration Rye is an interesting new rye for quite a few reasons. I bet you’re wondering what those are? Well, I’ll tell you!
Jack Daniel’s Barrel Proof Rye Review
Jack Daniel’s Barrel Proof Rye is an excellent rye. There’s a warm fuzzy feeling that can’t be denied. How the fruit flavors linger through the very long finish and at this crazy high proof for a rye is just a mystery. But a mystery I have no desire to solve. Let’s just let Jack be Jack and enjoy what they give us. As they say, “…if you know Jack, you’ll know Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye.” Maybe one day we’ll get down there again and have a little of the mystery unveiled…or maybe not.
Old Forester Barrel Strength Rye Review
It seems like eons ago, but Old Forester introduced their first rye in 2019. It is a Kentucky rye, which generally has a much lower percentage of rye in the mash bill than the classic Indiana 95/5 rye that we all know and love. Often the rye content is very close to 51%, which is the legal minimum. Old Forester took a bit of a different approach, using a bit more rye, and then quite a bit of malted barley, giving its rye a unique character. Recently they released Old Forester Barrel Strength Rye.
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