Rye Whiskey

Still Austin “The Artist”
Straight Rye Whiskey

49.8% ABV
$50
Website

We would like to thank Still Austin and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

Austin, TX (November 29, 2022) – Two years ago, Still Austin Whiskey Co. launched its Straight Bourbon, affectionately known as “The Musician.” The flagship spirit took Texas by storm, becoming one of the fastest-selling spirits in the history of the Lone Star State—and winning Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Now, the grain-to-glass distiller is proud to announce that “The Musician” has a new companion. Introducing “The Artist,” a 100% Straight Rye Whiskey made from Texas grains that’s dedicated to the dreamers, visionaries, and artists who have inspired the team.
Aged for at least two years and bottled at 99.6 proof (49.8% ABV), the new flagship rye whiskey represents the culmination of years of effort in which all the ingredients came together perfectly to create a work of art that feels, somehow, effortless. The spirit’s blushing, oaky hue foretells a complex nose, with hints of honey, cherries, fig, clove and coffee. The palate of spicy chocolate, apricot, sandalwood, ginger and caramel gives way to lingering after-impressions of cinnamon, molasses, nutmeg and orange zest.

“Our team put a lot of hard work and love into this release,” said Brandon Joldersma, Chief Operating Officer, Still Austin Whiskey Co. “We could not be prouder to bring another expression to life that represents the spirit of our city.”

The artwork on the label, created by internationally acclaimed artist and native Texan Marc Burckhardt, is the latest in the series of “archetypical” Austinites (e.g. The Musician, The Naturalist). Each provides a sense of the people who have influenced and inspired the team, while paying homage to the Texas terroir.

The Artist Straight Rye Whiskey is now available at the Still Austin distillery tasting room for the suggested retail price of $50.00 is available in Texas, online and at Reserve Bar.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Honey, vanilla sugar cookies, cherries, sweet tobacco with a hint of mint.
Palate:  Caramel, apricots, orange, oak, cinnamon, pepper and ginger.
Finish:  Short to moderate in length, drying with citrus spice and mint.
Comments:  For a two-year old rye, this is pretty solid. No, it isn’t incredibly complex, but more importantly it doesn’t have any off-putting notes that you can easily get with a young whiskey. Does great in an Old Pal cocktail. With the Texas heat, this may not do well with 10+ years, although I’m curious how it matures (hoping that perhaps a Texas Bottled in Bond is in the future).

Rating: Stands Out

Spirit Works Distillery 8 Year Rye Limited Edition

45% ABV
$90
Website

We would like to thank Spirit Works Distillery and Verdant PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

Whiskey crafting is a true passion for distillery co-founder and head distiller Ashby Marshall, and the distillery is excited to roll out a number of new brown spirit offerings. First in the line-up: a limited edition 8 Year Rye Whiskey, the oldest whiskey bottling in the brand’s portfolio. Selected from some of the distillery’s oldest stocks, the barrels harvested for this very special whiskey are among the first ever produced at Spirit Works Distillery. Carefully chosen to highlight both the grace of an older whiskey and the spicy notes of Rye, these barrels are a glimpse of good things to come ahead in the Spirit Works line up. Expect notes of crème brulee, marzipan, nutmeg, mint on the nose; with poached pears, caramel apple, cinnamon, pumpernickel on the palate. Candied pecans, yellow peaches, coffee and charred cedar create a beautifully complex finish.

Aged in full-size American oak barrels with a 70% rye 30% malted barley mash bill.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Rice pudding, oak, orange creamsicle, mint, nutmeg, cinnamon, bit of wood polish and cedar shavings.
Palate:  Sweet and fruity with orchard fruits and blood orange, caramel, cinnamon, pepper and a bit of chili spice.
Finish:  Moderately long and drying with pepper spice and lingering fruit notes.
Comments:  This has a lovely color in the glass, a golden/coppery hue. It drinks a bit on the hot side for 45%, but delivers that rye spice you’re looking for in a ‘high-rye’ content rye whiskey (not to be confused with those ‘barely legal’ rye whiskies where just 51% of the mash is rye). The 30% malted barley also gives it a unique character (I hesitate to say ‘funk’ since that might sound negative, but with no corn in the mix – it is different than most other ryes on the market). This does really well in a cocktail, where the spice holds up well and isn’t hurt with other ingredients bringing some sweetness to the party.

Rating: Stands Out

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.

Rating: Stands Out