Review: Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Straight Rye Whiskey

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After Stoli Group took over, Kentucky Owl Rye grew to become the extra inexpensive (however nonetheless expensive) providing from this cult Kentucky model. Should you 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 a number of of the earliest releases (Batch 1 and Batch 2) earlier than the choice was made to discontinue the road in 2020 because of dwindling shares. In 2021, underneath the brand new Wiseman label, Kentucky Owl launched a extra price range pleasant, non-age-stated, and far more broadly out there bourbon, however there was no point out of a rye till only in the near past when this bottle appeared within the portfolio. It’s a Kentucky-distilled rye (reportedly distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Co.) constituted of a 95% rye mashbill, aged for no less than 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?

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

100.8 proof.

B+ / $60

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Straight Rye Whiskey

$60

Ranking

8.5/10

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 advantage badges alongside the way in which, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Govt Bourbon Steward. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s blissful to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.