Apr 29, 2026
Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are back at the Bourbon Road bar for
a dedicated rye whiskey night, working through five distinct
expressions that showcase the breadth and character of American
rye. From honey-finished blends to farm-strength single-grain
pours, the lineup spans distilleries across Nevada, Ohio, Maryland,
Kentucky, and Atlanta, giving listeners a wide-angle view of what
rye whiskey looks like in 2025 and beyond.
On the Tasting Mat:**
- Short Barrel After Swarm 2: A blend of MGP
and Green River 95/5 rye finished in Kelvin Cooperage barrels
previously soaked with Oregon meadow foam honey for approximately
10–11 months, then aged an additional 11–12 months in those
honey-conditioned staves. Bottled at 108.6 proof and retailing
around $115, this six-plus-year expression opens with unmistakable
honey on the nose alongside coconut and vanilla, leading to a
syrupy, well-balanced palate of rye muffin, honey butter, and
toasted pine nuts, with a finish that drifts toward Mexican
chocolate and dried chili. *(00:01:19)*
- New Riff 10 Year Malted Rye: A special
limited 375ml release from New Riff Distilling in Newport,
Kentucky, drawn from a two- to three-barrel blend of 100% malted
rye aged a minimum of ten years and bottled at 118.8 proof
(approximately $46 for the 375ml). The nose offers earthy, chalky
minerality with underlying fruit and aromatic spice. On the palate
it shows a softer, grain-forward character with dry dark chocolate,
mint, and a coniferous, living-forest quality on the finish.
*(00:09:23)*
- Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Rye: A 100%
Canadian winter rye expression from Frey Ranch in Northern Nevada,
distilled and aged on the same 2,500-acre farm where the grain is
grown, aged a minimum of six years and bottled at cask strength,
124.52 proof. Available exclusively through the distillery's online
shop at $79.99, this pour delivers an exceptional grain-forward
nose with cream sweetness, fresh strawberry, and an almost
field-fresh rye character. The palate is smooth and deceptively
easy-drinking for the proof, with candy cinnamon and a long, clean
finish that highlights the integrity of the single-farm grain.
*(00:16:01)*
- Pursuit United Triple Mash Rye: Blended and
bottled by Pursuit United in Louisville, Kentucky, this expression
combines three distinct mash bills — Sagamore Spirits high-corn rye
(52% rye / 43% corn / 5% malted barley), Sagamore Spirits 95/5 rye,
and Bardstown, Kentucky 95/5 rye — with barrels ranging roughly
four to eight years old, all bottled at barrel proof of 124.8 and
retailing for $79.99. The nose is warm and holiday-spiced with dark
fruit, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus. The palate is
buttery and velvety with blueberry, lemon sorbet, and a
trefoil-cookie sweetness, finishing long and satisfying.
*(00:25:53)*
- Archer Eland Cashmere Rye: A
collaboration between founder Wendy Pevich (formerly of Penelope
Bourbon) and Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, this expression
uses 100% Ohio-grown rye — a combination of standard and malted rye
— aged approximately seven years and bottled at 126 proof,
retailing for $84.99. The nose leads with dried apricot, peach, and
a malt-forward fruitiness. On the palate it balances earthiness,
ripe fruit, and a pronounced spicy mint-pepper character, with a
medium-length finish carrying peach soda and fresh mint.
*(00:32:38)*
Rye whiskey night at the Bourbon Road bar proved once again that
the category rewards exploration. Whether you gravitate toward the
softer, sweetened side of the spectrum or prefer high-proof
grain-forward expressions straight from the farm, this lineup
offered something for every rye enthusiast. All five bottles are
available now or through their respective distillery channels, and
every one of them makes a compelling case for keeping a rye or two
on your shelf year-round.
Check out our new site at: https://thebourbonroad.com