American

Four Gate Batch #7 "River Kelvin Rye"

$174.99

OVERALL
RATING

7

Whiskey Review: Four Gate Batch #7 “River Kelvin Rye”

We review Four Gate Batch #7 "River Kelvin Rye," a straight rye whiskey sourced from MGP that brings the heat and spice.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
This whiskey costs $174.99 per bottle and is bottled at full barrel proof of 113.2. It is blended from 7-year-old barrels of 95/5 Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey and is not barrel finished itself.
Appearance:
The red amber color has a nice viscous appearance on the side of glass when swirled gently.
Nose:
There is a prominent citrus note on the front of the nose. Upon further inspection, I caught red apple, brown sugar, and a sharp spice note.
Palate:
The buttery mouthfeel compensates slightly for the prickly heat that bites and lingers longer then I prefer. Once you get past the heat, there are notes of red apple and citrus fruit, echoing the nose. On the back of the flavor there is an herbaceous flavor that pops out. It is a bit like black licorice but with a less medicinal quality. There is also an overall note of butterscotch that joins the party as you continue to drink. Other flavors that peak through the heat are cinnamon, and a malty flavor that adds some weight to the taste. Over ice this rye doesn’t lose any of its spicy character, but the heat does subside a bit and it rounds out to a more comfortable sipper.
Finish:
Comments:
Cutting through the heat of this one was the most distracting aspect of its nature. But if you like your whiskey with some bite and lots of flavors to roll off your tongue then this can make an interesting addition to your liquor cabinet, even at its high price point.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Four Gate. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

When I think blended whiskey, I envision careful crafting and incorporation of specific flavors. I imagine a well-rounded and smooth sipper crafted for easy drinking. When it comes to Four Gate Whiskey Company’s Straight Rey Whiskey, Batch 7, I had to suspend my preconceptions and brace for a complex, and spicy beverage that is not for the faint at heart.

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In regards to blending, batch number 7 is Four Gate Whiskey Company’s first attempt at a rye. They blend selected barrels of 7 year old MGP rye whiskey, without finishing them in other barrel types as has been a theme in some of their previous releases.

This expression sports a mash bill that’s 95% rye and 5% malted barley, with the final product being bottled at 113.2 proof.

Four Gate Whiskey Company Release #7 "River Kelvin Rye"
Four Gate Whiskey Company Release #7 “River Kelvin Rye” (image via Four Gate Whiskey Company)

Tasting Notes: Four Gate Batch #7 “River Kelvin Rye”

Vital Stats: This whiskey costs $174.99 per bottle and is bottled at full barrel proof of 113.2.  It is blended from 7-year-old barrels of 95/5 Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey and is not barrel finished itself.

Appearance: The red amber color has a nice viscous appearance on the side of glass when swirled gently.

Nose: There is a prominent citrus note on the front of the nose. Upon further inspection, I caught red apple, brown sugar, and a sharp spice note.

Palate: The buttery mouthfeel compensates slightly for the prickly heat that bites and lingers longer then I prefer. Once you get past the heat, there are notes of red apple and citrus fruit, echoing the nose. On the back of the flavor there is an herbaceous flavor that pops out. It is a bit like black licorice but with a less medicinal quality. There is also an overall note of butterscotch that joins the party as you continue to drink. Other flavors that peak through the heat are cinnamon, and a malty flavor that adds some weight to the taste.

Over ice this rye doesn’t lose any of its spicy character, but the heat does subside a bit and it rounds out to a more comfortable sipper.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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