American

Jackson McCrea 5 Year Old Rye Whiskey Review

Jackson McCrea's 5 year Tennessee rye aged in French Syrah casks delivers a bold, sweet profile with distinctive peach and brown sugar notes. An interesting addition to the rye category that excels in cocktails.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

A new company founded in 2023 by two women, Jackson McCrea, named for the two founders, sees itself as a revolutionary entrant to the field, looking to expand oak-aged liquor in new ways and to new markets.

The 5 year old Tennesee rye is aged in oak that previously held French Syrah. Bottled at 90 proof, and presented in a thin, tall medium-necked bottle, the brand looks to build on a growing reputation for new ways to enjoy old spirits.
Appearance:
Redder than shellac out of the bucket.
Nose:
Pecans frying in sugared oil, pipe tobacco, mimeo paper.
Palate:
A blast of peach floating on linseed oil. Reminiscent of apple brandy. Candle flame, brown sugar, and raisin.
Finish:
Extremely smooth and slow. Lighter and lighter on the tongue till it just drifts away.
Comments:
This is not a shy rye. It revels in its mix of flavors, its fire, and its willingness to be a bit different. It’s sweet for a rye, but hearty enough to make it through any cocktail. It won’t be my first rye to pull for sipping, but it’s an interesting quaff, and makes me interested in seeing what comes next.

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.

Jeff Bogursky

Jeff Bogursky is a restless innovator and entrepreneur. He started one of New York’s first digital agencies and developed software applications for decades, before simpliying his life by becoming a wine and spirits seller. His website vintagekosher.com specializes in hard to find and good to drink bottles.

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