Southern Distilling High Rye Bourbon
Picked June 2026 / Released August 2026
The Details - Crafted by Southern Distilling in Statesville, North Carolina, this bourbon features an unusually high-rye mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted rye. It is aged for almost 6 years and bottled at 113.5 proof. While it comfortably meets the legal definition of bourbon, the elevated rye content gives it a personality that leans toward the bold, floral & spice-driven character often associated with rye whiskey. The result is a whiskey that balances vibrant baking spices and robust complexity with the rich caramelized sweetness, dark fruit, and vanilla notes bourbon enthusiasts expect. It's a distinctive interpretation of the style that offers the best of both worlds, appealing to fans of both traditional bourbon and high-rye expressions.
His Nosing Notes – Rich, dark aromas of sugary baked cherries lead the nose, layered with cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, worn leather, and a subtle hint of mint. A few drops of water transform the profile, bringing ripe autumn apples and warm brown sugar to the forefront, accented by a touch of lemon zest while allowing the cherry and baking spices to linger more gently in the background.
Her Nosing Notes - Right out of the glass, it hits with a very bold wave of cherry cola and rich vanilla, layered with soft, inviting hints of fine suede and leather.
His Tasting Notes - The palate opens with bold cherry and creamy vanilla before developing deeper flavors of leather and molasses on subsequent sips. Water brightens the whiskey considerably, revealing flavors reminiscent of baked apple pie topped with cherry sauce, softening the darker elements while maintaining a pleasant sweetness with a lightly drying character.
Her Tasting Notes - Surprisingly approachable for its proof. It hits the palate with the balanced, easygoing refreshment of a classic half-and-half iced tea enjoyed on a warm afternoon. On subsequent sips, it transitions into a decadent vanilla pound cake smothered in a spiced rum glaze, bursting with vibrant notes of cinnamon and cloves right at the front of the palate. Soft touches of citrus linger in the background, leading into a finish that is impressively long, warm, and deeply satisfying. Adding just a few drops of water takes this pour on an entirely new adventure. The aroma absolutely explodes out of the glass, unlocking lush waves of brown sugar syrup and warm caramel popcorn. Meanwhile, the mouthfeel transforms into something luxuriously buttery, opening up crisp floral notes intertwined with rich elements of honey.
The Finish - The finish is exceptionally long and full-bodied, carrying rich dark cherry notes well into the aftertaste, supported by mild oak tannins and a delicate touch of lingering spice that slowly fades.
His Conclusion – This is an exceptional bourbon, particularly for just a 5½-year age statement. Virtually no ethanol interferes with the nose or palate, allowing the whiskey's complexity to take center stage. I'd happily compare it to any legacy distillery's high-rye bourbon, and I'm confident it would hold its own among the finest.
Her Conclusion - As someone who typically steers clear of colas entirely, I found myself completely entranced by how this unique flavor profile comes together without leaning into cloying sweetness. This release captures the exact kind of complexity, depth, and character we always hope to find when collaborating on a single barrel selection for our community. It bridges the gap between bold, high-proof structure and remarkable approachability, making it an absolute must-have for your local whiskey collection and a fantastic conversation starter at any tasting table.
Pour yourself a glass alongside a warm fruit dessert—think a fresh-baked berry cobbler or a rustic pie—or simply drizzle it over a bowl of high-quality homemade vanilla ice cream. Cheers!
Bardstown Bourbon Company High Rye Bourbon
Picked April 2026 / Released September 2026
The Details - Bardstown Bourbon Company’s high-rye mash bill—composed of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, is one of the most rye-heavy recipes in the bourbon category. Distilled in-house and aged for roughly 6 years, this single barrel selection by the Boone Bourbon Society sits at 121 proof and showcases the distillery's estate-distilled spirits at full strength. The unusually high 36% rye content tempers traditional corn sweetness with bold herbal spice and vibrant fruit complexity, laying down a dense, full-bodied foundation that holds up effortlessly against high proof warmth.
His Nosing Notes – The nose is dominated by rich butterscotch candy dipped in caramel, reminiscent of a Butterfinger bar, deepened by brown sugar and warm vanilla. Grounding this rich sweetness is a punch of classic rye spice, layered with earthy leather and cured tobacco. The bouquet rounds out with a complex fruitiness featuring dark cherry, ripe plum, and juicy apricot, all paired with an unusual, sweet-tart burst of overripe Thompson seedless grapes.
Her Nosing Notes - The nose opens with rich melted butter and sweet butterscotch, layered with subtle, nutty marzipan and comforting berries and cream. Decadent milk chocolate combines with bright fruit to evoke fresh chocolate-dipped strawberries, all balanced by an inviting aroma of fresh-cut soft wood.
His Tasting Notes - The palate opens with a dense, heavy cornbread texture that luxuriously coats the mouth. Decadent notes of caramelized sugar, caramel candy, vanilla, and brown sugar caramel-covered pecan bites take center stage, offset by rich sweet cherry and a bright continuation of grape. A deep, slightly tart rose floral note adds surprising elegance before warming into baking spice and sharp white pepper. It leaves a nice rye spice lingering at the back of the throat, ending on a slightly drying finish that tempts you straight back for another sip.
Her Tasting Notes - The palate leads with an initial hit of rye spice before settling into a thick, chewy texture reminiscent of heavy cereal grain or cooked brown rice. A rich, confectionery note takes over with notes of herbal root beer, Milk Duds, creamy toffee, and crunchy chocolate-covered almond brittle like See's Candies California Brittle. It balances sweet, spicy, and distinctly savory characteristics into a remarkably full-bodied sip.
The Finish - Medium-long and remarkably un-punchy for its high proof, the finish allows a soft rye spice to gently linger in the background. Sweetness completely dominates the end of the sip, with the earlier butterscotch evolving into rich chocolate reminiscent of Harry & David chocolate-covered cherries. It resolves smoothly, leaving a luxurious, lasting impression of cacao and dark fruit sweetness.
His Conclusion – A textbook high-rye expression that delivers a compelling contrast between a heavy, aromatic nose and a vibrant, fruit and spice forward palate. The 121 proof carries the deep flavors and lush texture effortlessly from start to finish.
Her Conclusion - The delightful nose entices you from the start, offering a clear preview of the complex, full-bodied pour to follow. On the palate, it delivers everything you want in a high-rye bourbon. Spicy, fruity, and floral, grounded by just enough rich sweetness before finishing strong. Robust and comforting, this pour stands up effortlessly to a hearty barbecue spread or a hot bowl of chili or Kentucky burgoo on a cold day.
The Details - Founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, Oaklore Distilling Co. produces small-batch whiskeys that balance traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. This seven-year-old single barrel bourbon features a mash bill of 70% corn, 10% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% malted barley, and is bottled at a robust 110 proof, delivering a well-rounded and approachable whiskey with impressive depth and complexity.
His Nose - The nose opens with a bright burst of citrus and candy-coated cherries layered over rich cigar tobacco, toasted oak, and classic rickhouse aromas. Ripe pears lend soft orchard sweetness, while subtle anise adds complexity. Faint honey-roasted peanut and cotton candy notes emerge underneath, providing a warm, nutty richness. A few drops of water noticeably soften the experience, muting the lively "fizz" to reveal sweeter, more cohesive fruit and confectionary notes.
Her Nose - Neat: Right out of the bottle, I was greeted by a comforting, morning aroma. It opens with rich breakfast-blend coffee, warm buttered toast, toasted nuts, a bright pop of fresh nectarine, and a solid wave of vanilla.
With a Drop of Water: The spice takes a backseat, transforming into an intensely sweet wave reminiscent of unwrapping a Nestle Crunch bar or grabbing a handful of chocolate-covered peanuts (Goobers).
His Palate - The palate coats nicely, opening with the effervescent spark of vanilla cherry cola, heavy caramel, and Cracker Barrel baked apples. Rich vanilla, pipe tobacco, leather, soft licorice, and baking spices add layered depth. With a few drops of water, the profile grows noticeably sweeter, revealing ripe plum, bacon-wrapped dates, creamy date shake, and fresh bread. As the spice softens, a pronounced malt influence emerges to seamlessly balance sweet and savory.
Her Palate - Neat (1st Sip): An immediate nutty explosion hits the palate, featuring rich hazelnuts backed by a burst of fresh orchard fruit.
Neat (Next Sips): The profile deepens dramatically. Honey sweetness steps forward, quickly countered by a lively kick of black pepper, a savory note of country ham, and the decadent, sweet-and-salty richness of bacon-wrapped dates or figs tied together with smooth vanilla.
With Water: The savory notes dial down gracefully. A rich, buttery butterscotch takes the lead while highlighting the sweet, earthy warmth of the underlying cereal grains.
His Finish - The finish is long and lingering, allowing the flavors to slowly fade while delivering a satisfying warmth that spreads comfortably through the chest. Its lasting presence invites another sip without becoming overwhelming.
Her Finish - The finish lingers comfortably from medium to long. It even makes for a fantastic pairing alongside a classic chicken cordon bleu or a fresh fruit platter, balancing that rich savory meat with the bourbon's sweeter edges.
His Conclusion - Given the high corn content, I expected a sweeter profile, but this bourbon delivers impressive balance between sweetness, spice, and savory depth. The wheat adds a pleasant earthiness that complements the fruit, vanilla, tobacco, and spice notes beautifully. Most impressive is its transformation with water, revealing a completely different expression and making this feel like two unique tasting experiences from the same bottle.
Her Conclusion - Knowing how much fun our Boone Bourbon Society group had selecting this barrel makes pouring it even better. Honestly, this bourbon feels like getting two completely different pours in a single bottle. Neat, it brings a rich, savory, ham-and-dates complexity that keeps you guessing. Add a splash of water, and it completely transforms into a chocolate-and-butterscotch dessert pour. It is a wildly fun, cozy bottle that makes you want to slow down and explore every single drop with good company.
Oaklore Single Barrel Bourbon 70/10/10/10 mash bill 110 proof
Picked June 2026 / Released October 2026
