Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey
59.8% ABV
$150
Website
We would like to thank Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and The Brand Guild for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
As we announced in February of 2022, our award-winning line of whiskeys, with nearly 550 awards since our inception in 2017, is growing. Today, we continue celebrating the legacy of Nearest Green, the Godfather of Tennessee Whiskey, with the newest addition to our Master Blend Edition Portfolio: Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey, our first Rye expression. As with our inaugural Master Blend Edition, this Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey represents the favorite barrels of Victoria Eady Butler, our Master Blender, fifth generation Nearest Green descendant and four-time Master Blender of the Year recipient.
Born in the North – in Canada according to the exact American specifications required to be a Straight Rye Whiskey — and raised in New York for a minimum of four years before moving down to Tennessee, this Rye is crafted and blended by Victoria. As she puts it, “My great-great-grandfather was known for his whiskey filtration method. But this 100% rye is so spectacular, we dared not cut or filter it.” The result is a classic rye spice and character, paired with the incredible Uncle Nearest smoothness that has made our whiskey the Most Awarded of 2019, 2020, 2021 (and soon to be 2022).
We are proud to bring Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey to our fans who will be in for a treat when they experience what critics have already been falling in love over. Just last week, it was announced that our Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye whiskey has already received its first Gold medal and received the highest honor at one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world.
Uncle Nearest Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey launched on September 17th, as a Nearest Green Distillery exclusive, to rave reviews from our visitors. For those unable to make it to Shelbyville, there will be more Rye to come from Uncle Nearest in the coming months, including Straight Rye and Single Barrel Rye.
What Gary Says
Nose: Buttered rye toast with orange marmalade, oak, maple toffee, nutmeg, toasted orange zest and a wisp of cedar.
Palate: Warm and syrupy with caramel, buttered popcorn, fruity with oranges and black cherry, rye bread, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: Moderately long and damp with pepper, orange honey and caramel.
Comments: A really nice rye whiskey, intense with a great mouthfeel. I tend to get the popcorn notes with younger whiskey, so guessing this isn’t a lot older than four years old – although it has a fair amount of complexity going on for a younger whiskey. It comes across a bit hot, but takes water really well – bringing out some ginger on the nose and keeping a nice mouthfeel that shifts from syrupy to creamy. There isn’t a ton of cask strength, NCF rye on the shelves, but even so – the price point is high to me. At half the SRPP, I’d be all over it. If you’re a fan of rye and the brand, I’d look for an opportunity to try it first.