A little background

The Luca Mariana Brand was founded by Francesco Viola who started as a home distilling hobbyist in 2010. In 2017, the company bought a 300 acre farm in Danville, Kentucky with the goal of building a distillery, rickhouses, and a visitor center. Currently the company is sourcing its product from a Kentucky distillery that is not disclosed. The Luca Mariano Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is 83 proof, has an undisclosed mash bill but is said to be (high rye), the barrels come from Independent Stave Company (18 month air dried, char 4), is aged for 4 years, and retails for around $45.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Hay

Nose

Note of herbal tea, mint, apple, pear, and vanilla come through. There is a bit of florality, and the nose is very inviting.

Palate

The palate is very light with the herbal tea leaves and the florality coming through. There is also a touch vanilla and rye spice in the background.

Finish

The finish is short with the rye spice from the palate and pear and apple from the nose coming through.

In closing

Luca Mariano Small Batch Rye is a very light whiskey on the palate but has good flavors. I think someone interested in a sipper for a hot day or who is trying to slowly enter the rye category may enjoy this. I personally would not buy a bottle, but this will appeal to someone looking for a light rye.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Luca Mariano. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.