Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. 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 in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
In May of 2023, Laws Whiskey House released batch #4 of their annually released Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey. This expression is Bonded, which makes the Denver based distillery the first in Colorado history to release a Bottled in Bond rye whiskey.
Established in 2011, and based in Denver, Colorado, Laws Whiskey House is an award-winning, grain-to-glass distillery whose “there are no shortcuts” philosophy of spirit making applies to each batch of whiskey they produce.
To receive the Bottled in Bond designation, an American-made whiskey must meet the criteria set forth by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. This means that the final product is that of a single season in which the grain used is from the same season. It must also have been made by one distiller at one distillery. It must be bottled at 100 proof and aged in a federal government-bonded warehouse for at least four years. The primary purpose of this act was to prevent people from buying imitation whiskey made with moonshine or even gasoline with coloring or flavoring added so that fraudulent producers could profit from unknowing consumers.
Bottled at 100 proof and aged for seven years in 53 gallon charred oak barrels, Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Bottled in Bond Straight Rye consists of a mash bill of 95% heirloom rye and 5% heirloom barley. The heirloom grains sourced from family-owned Colorado farms are milled, cooked, fermented, distilled, and aged on-site. Using a copper pot-column still in the production of their whiskey, Laws Whiskey House practices open air, on-grain fermentation, using mountain spring water and grains grown at high altitudes.
Laws Whiskey House founder Al Laws said in a prepared statement, “the soul of our whiskey comes from the union of the grains and the people who grow them combined with our no-shortcuts process and the people who make up Laws Whiskey House. We love this whiskey because it perfectly represents what we strive for as a distillery: terroir-led flavors, the highest standards of quality, and distinctive flavors, all made for people around the world who love and appreciate whiskey. We hope you enjoy our Bonded San Luis Valley Rye.”
The brand’s official tasting notes for this expression suggest flavors of cherry cola, honey, and black currant on the nose while the palate offers notes of hazelnut, mint, green mango, and serrano pepper.
Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey was the “Best American Rye 12 Years and Under” category winner in the 2023 World Whiskies Awards.
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Tasting Notes: Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Rye Whiskey 2023
Vital Stats: 100 proof (50% ABV), ash bill:95% heirloom rye and 5% heirloom barley, 750 ml bottle MSRP $101.00.
Appearance: Chestnut/Oloroso sherry.
Nose: Soft spicy fruit notes hit the nose first, followed by notes of buttery citrus, fresh oak, peach, dark cherries, and cinnamon honey.
Palate: On the palate are notes of warm molasses, black peppercorn, grains, and dark caramel, with hints of peppermint and baked fruit.
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