Assessment: Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Straight Rye Whiskey

After Stoli Group took over, Kentucky Owl Rye turned the extra inexpensive (however nonetheless expensive) providing from this cult Kentucky model. For those who lived wherever however the Bluegrass State (the place even the bourbon was exceptionally scarce), it was the one Kentucky Owl product you had a lot of an opportunity at discovering. We reviewed just a few of the earliest releases (Batch 1 and Batch 2) earlier than the choice was made to discontinue the road in 2020 resulting from dwindling shares. In 2021, underneath the brand new Wiseman label, Kentucky Owl launched a extra finances pleasant, non-age-stated, and rather more extensively obtainable bourbon, however there was no point out of a rye till only recently when this bottle appeared within the portfolio. It’s a Kentucky-distilled rye (reportedly distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Co.) constructed from a 95% rye mashbill, aged for at the very least 4 years, and bottled at only a contact over 100 proof. Just like the bourbon, manufacturing of this whiskey was overseen by Kentucky Owl Grasp Blender John Rhea. Let’s give it a go, we could?

Tender and approachable, even at a bigger-than-normal proof, the added alcohol however propels a hefty and sophisticated aroma. Golden, grassy rye spice, buttery caramel candies, delicate dill, and a little bit of vibrant lemon peel all come collectively in high-quality steadiness with a milk chocolate notice that grows as issues open up within the glass. The palate is a bit greener with greater, vegetal dill notes balanced towards sticky toffee and a few dry spice cupboard, heavy on the clove and anise. The oak can also be a bit dusty with some gentle astringency into the end that distracts from the better steadiness on the entrance of the palate. In the long run, this one seems to be a reasonably easy and well-constructed rye whiskey, in want of a bit of extra age to make it sipper however undoubtedly daring and flavorful sufficient for an elevated cocktail.

100.8 proof.

B+ / $60

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Straight Rye Whiskey

$60

About Publish Creator

Drew Beard

Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Supervisor for Drinkhacker. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and different spirits since he first began ingesting them, incomes a number of booze-related benefit badges alongside the way in which, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Government Bourbon Steward. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s completely satisfied to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.