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Whiskey Review: Kentucky Owl Rye

We review Kentucky Owl Rye, the first rye from this cult-favorite bourbon brand out of Kentucky.

OVERALL RATING

9
$130.00
  • Margarett Waterbury is a whiskey enthusiast and industry expert.
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Kentucky Owl Rye

Tasting Notes

About:

11 years old, 55.3% ABV, Batch 1, Bottled July 2017. Distilled in Kentucky, bottled by Kentucky Owl. Retails for around $130
Appearance:
Quite viscous. Classic medium amber with a golden meniscus.
Nose:
After cracking the bottle open, I was surprised by vaporous, acetone-inflected aromas that reminded me of Basque cider. But after a few days, those high tones dissipated. In their place emerged a sharp, prickly nose with lots of herby rye and an evolving character. I get dried dill, dark caramel, vanilla extract, bacon fat, and a not insignificant waft of smoke. Dried apricot, a little varnish, pencil shavings, gingerbread, and paint also make an appearance.
Palate:
Vigorous and intense, with flavors of salted licorice, banana, durian, cantaloupe, and overripe, musky tropical fruit in a way that reminds me a little bit of baijiu. There’s also rye bread crust, burnt sugar, spiced cherries, vanilla, and ginger heat. It finishes rather abruptly on pencil shavings and bread. The high proof drinks quite easily, but out of curiosity, I added a few drops of water. It dialed down the funk, but retained the salty anise flavor; overall, I preferred it at the higher strength.
Finish:
Comments:
Sharp, varnishy, and funky, with high-toned fruit and a surprising intensity, Kentucky Owl Rye lives on the upper register of the rye scale. I love that there is distinctive spirit character here, not just clunky oak extract. A rye with tons of personality and a complex, engaging flavor profile. Yummo.

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.

Margarett Waterbury

Margarett Waterbury is the author of "Scotch: A Complete Introduction to Scotland's Whiskies" and a full-time freelance writer and editor specializing in the beverage industry. Her work has graced the pages of numerous publications, including Whisky Advocate, Food and Wine, Spirited Magazine, Artisan Spirit, Edible Seattle, Sip Northwest, Civil Eats, Travel Oregon, and many others. She also boasts editorial experience as the former managing editor of Edible Portland and as a co-founder and former managing editor of The Whiskey Wash. In recognition of her talent, Margarett received the Alan Lodge Young Drinks Writer of the Year award in 2017 and was awarded fellowships for the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers in 2017 and 2019.

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