Kentucky Owl 11 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Ryes of this age are seldom found. Released in June 2018 and sourced from one or more distilleries in Kentucky, batch 2 of 'The Wise Man's Rye' has a smaller outturn than the inaugural bottling. A tiny parcel has arrived in Australia. 50.9% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... [Batch 2 tasted] The vanilla and oak-driven nose offers layers of stone fruits, golden raisin, tropical fruit, and citrus zest, along with hints of espresso, violet, and fresh herbs. On the palate, this is so dialed in! Laser-like in its delivery of sweetness and spice, it rings clean and bright, and simply sizzles with candied ginger warmth before the finish pours on cocoa and nutty flavors. Tastes wonderfully mature, yet full of vigor.
93 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jeffery Lindenmuth 2018

Despite this, its age, and presumably expert selection and blending of barrels, are what has made Kentucky Owl’s rye batches stand out. I might not have been blown away by Batch 1 when I first had it last year, but it is one that I haven't gotten out of my head and something I return to whenever I can. That says a lot about Kentucky Owl’s rye batches. They’re really good and very drinkable. That was what Kentucky Owl set out for with Batch 2, and they certainly succeeded. Add to that the fact that 11 year old ryes aren’t easy to come by, and just maybe you can overlook its high price point. With a lack of readily available competitors, Kentucky Owl Batch 2 might win just by showing up. - breakingbourbon.com

[10 year old tasted] Unlike their pretty poor Bourbon offering, this rye is more Owl than Ow! 90.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021