Disclosure: the sample for this review was provided at no cost. Our tasting notes and score are our own.
A little background
Breckenridge Rye Whiskey is a blended rye from Breckenridge Distillery, aged for a minimum of five years in charred new American oak barrels and finished with Rocky Mountain water. Made, produced, and bottled at 9,600 feet in Breckenridge, Colorado, it is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), made from a 80% rye mash bill and has a suggested retail price of $40 per 750ml bottle.
Founded in 2008 by Bryan Nolt, Breckenridge Distillery is the World’s Highest Distillery, set between the peaks of the Continental Divide. Its spirits are defined by extreme-elevation aging and by the mineral character of Rocky Mountain water, which shapes the mouthfeel, balance, and finish across a portfolio that spans bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and a non-alcoholic line. Breckenridge is one of the most awarded craft distilleries in the U.S., with honors that include World’s Best Finished Bourbon, 10 Best American Blended Whiskey wins, and 6 Colorado Distillery of the Year titles.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Straw
Nose
Honey, orange cream, cherry, mint, lime, and rye spice.
Palate
Baking cocoa, stone fruit (apricot), orange citrus, brown sugar, spearmint, vanilla, and rye spice.
Finish
Rye spice, cinnamon, cocoa, orange rind, sweet lemon, cherry, sweet oak, and mint.
In closing
Breckenridge Rye Whiskey leans toward citrus and light sweetness rather than heavy rye spice. Honey, orange cream, cherry, and lime lead the nose, followed by a palate of baking cocoa, apricot, orange, brown sugar, and spearmint. The finish brings rye spice, cinnamon, orange rind, and sweet lemon before fading out on sweet oak and mint.
At around $40 for a five-year rye made and bottled at the World’s Highest Distillery, it offers solid value, and it is an easy recommendation for Breckenridge fans, bourbon drinkers curious about rye, or anyone looking for a flavorful everyday rye. Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable pour that will most certainly have me coming back for more.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Breckenridge Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Breckenridge Rye Whiskey
100 Proof
