Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Rye is a traditional Kentucky straight rye whiskey made from a 95% rye mash bill and bottled at 100.8 proof (50.4% ABV).
The Wiseman line marked a turning point for Kentucky Owl: the first permanent releases under Master Blender John Rhea, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member, offered at an approachable proof as year-round expressions. The Wiseman Rye joins the Wiseman Bourbon with a proof chosen for something more approachable than Kentucky Owl's barrel-strength releases.
The rye has been widely recognized. It earned Double Platinum at the 2023 Ascot Awards, Gold at the 2023 TAG Global Spirits Awards, Double Gold from Fifty Best in 2022, Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and 94 points from Tasting Panel magazine.
The nose is rich and spicy, with fresh rye bread and slight hints of sweet caramel and cinnamon. The palate brings rich rye and spicy character, filling the mouth, and the long finish starts as fresh rye bread, moves slowly toward buttered cinnamon toast, and ends with just a hint of English walnut.
Enjoy it neat or with a few drops of water, or let it anchor a Manhattan, a Sazerac or a rye Old Fashioned. The ornate owl label makes it a handsome gift.
American rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged in new charred oak, giving it a spicier, drier character than bourbon, with notes of pepper, herbs and baking spice.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Fresh rye bread, caramel, cinnamon.
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Palate: Rich rye, spice.
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Finish: Buttered cinnamon toast, English walnut.
Specifications
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Producer: Kentucky Owl
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Master Blender: John Rhea
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Mash bill: 95% rye
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Style: Kentucky straight rye whiskey
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Proof / ABV: 100.8 proof (50.4% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat with a few drops of water, or stir a Manhattan or a Sazerac.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mash bill?
95% rye.
Who blends it?
Master Blender John Rhea.
What does it taste like?
Rye bread, caramel and cinnamon toast with a walnut finish.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
