American

Whiskey Review: Brush Creek Distillery Railroad Rye

We review Brush Creek Distillery’s Railroad Rye. While in cask, it travelled about 1,200 miles on Union Pacific railcars.

OVERALL RATING

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Brush Creek Distillery Railroad Rye (image via Devon Lyon)

Tasting Notes

About:

Age: No specific age statement beyond a vague mention of “4-6 years” in the product sheet. 104 proof, 52% ABV. Mash bill: an undisclosed blend of two rye whiskeys. 750ML. SRP: $46.99
Appearance:
When viewed in my NEAT glass, both against a white/neutral background and then up against a backlight, the rye is a pleasing blend of caramel and medium steeped black tea.
Nose:
A fairly straightforward sniff of rye grass, a sweetness that evokes honey and stone fruit, along with a minor hint of allspice.
Palate:
From beginning to end, the rye holds court. Along with that central player, the proof comes through with a nice brightness mid-mouth. I taste pepper in equal proportion to a mild plummy semi-sweetness, ending up with a medium finish (and more rye).
Finish:
Comments:

Whether putting barrels of whiskey on a railcar and chugging them 1,200 miles over the course of a few weeks is ingenious craft or a slick gimmick is up for interpretation. Similar to what Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon claims regarding how the “constant motion of the sea churns the whiskey” and how that in turn “transforms” the bourbon, the process’s impact is open to debate. Whatever the scientific reality, this Railroad Rye is a perfectly enjoyable sipper for the rye enthusiast.


Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Devon Lyon

Devon Lyon is a seasoned content creator, with two decades of experience producing videos and crafting compelling copy and scripts for clients worldwide. Despite his natural wanderlust, Devon's heart belongs to the Pacific Northwest. He is captivated by the region's thriving craft spirit scene, world-class wines, and ubiquitous breweries, making life on the "best" coast a delightful experience. Above all, Devon's passion lies in whiskey. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in launching the Rushlight Agency, a boutique marketing firm. In his leisure time, Devon enjoys mastering his Hasselblad medium format 501cm camera, fly fishing, snowshoeing, and embarking on international adventures with his partner and daughter.

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