A little background

Barrel proof Coalition Rye Whiskey is distilled from a mash bill of 100% locally sourced rye grain. This whiskey is aged for five years and bottled at barrel strength. It is also the base spirit for a line of three rye whiskeys that are finished in various wine barrels. Like all spirits from Coalition, this whiskey was distilled at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery. Coalition Rye Whiskey Barrel Proof is bottled at 108.8 proof and has a retail price of $130 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

The nose is a savory doughy, yeasty affair initially, with inescapable notes of rye grass. After a moment, notes of raisins and figs appear deep in the glass, along with a nice raw honey note. Very little heat considering the 108 proof.

Palate

The first thing to notice is the burst of spice that lands on the tongue. It doesn’t have a profile at first, rather, the 100% rye mashbill presents up front with a lot of kick and slowly develops notes afterwards. The first notes to develop are those of apples, followed by simple wood sugars, some allspice, and a little musty leather note.

Finish

A medium mouthfeel leads to a surprisingly robust finish, with notes of leather, toasted pumpernickel, and a formidable pipe tobacco note. A bit of heat through the rear of the palate and throat makes for a nice Kentucky hug.

In closing

Barrel proof Coalition Rye Whiskey is a really interesting pour. On one hand, the nose is seemingly pretty green and young, making me wish it had a little more age. At the same time, the palate seems well-developed, and the heavy-handed tobacco notes on the finish makes me think more time in the barrel may result in a much drier finish. Personally, this falls into the funky rye category for me. When I want a textbook rye, I won’t reach for this bottle. With that said, folks who enjoy unique rye whiskey will find this a unique take on the spirit, one that I imagine is likely enhanced by some of the sweeter notes added by some of the wine-barrel finished expressions.