The whiskey wash logo
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website

Trending Stories

Search
American

Wheel Horse Barrel Proof Barrel Master Select Bourbon Review

Looking for a full-power rye that doesn't hold back? This inaugural barrel proof release from Wheel Horse might be exactly what rye lovers have been waiting for.

OVERALL RATING

8
$40
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes

About:

Wheel Horse distilling is out of Rhode Island, but the use of distillate from the easternmost edge of the Bourbon Trail. They are an independent bottler and blender who sources their product from Green River Distilling in Kentucky. Green River, in its own right, has been creating a lot of noise recently with its products, and it seems only reasonable that Wheel Horse has likewise been generating a name for themselves as well.

Barrel Master Select Rye Batch 1 is the first barrel proof rye whiskey from Wheel Horse. Distilled and matured in Owensboro, Kentucky, the inaugural release is a blend of nine rye (95%) barrels aged between 5 years 8 months and 6 years.
Appearance:
Caramel in color with medium legs.
Nose:
On the nose we are greeted with honey melted in oak, charcoal, wet earth, dark teas and soft cereal grains. Overall it is a rich earth forward nose.
Palate:
The mouthfeel is a bit controlled by the high abv, but throughout the tasting we find vanilla with a nice bite of rye, chocolate (dark and rich) also makes it’s presence known. There becomes some candied cherries and cigar tobacco leaf.
Finish:
Overall the drink has an oily mouthfeel and medium long hold. There is soft tobacco with rye spices and oak. It gives a nice warm hug before dissipating. The profile is quite nice.
Comments:
This has some really nice flavors for those who enjoy a hearty dark rye whiskey. I found the flavors compelling and complex with great moments without being overtaken by the alcohol content. Overall this was really nice and warming with good flavor and depth.

If you’re looking for a new full power rye at a high abv, this could be right up your alley. It doesn’t shy away from what makes rye a formidable grain in the distilling world. You might not love this if you want the sweet world of whiskey.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

The whiskey wash logo