Luca Mariano Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review
Like the Bourbon, this is just not enough proof to get me excited. It’s especially disappointing knowing first-hand what the 4-5 year old Rye from Wilderness Trail (who contract distills this) can be at cask strength.
BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: Luca Mariano Distillery (contracted distilled at Wilderness Trail Distillery)
- MASH BILL: Not Disclosed
- AGE: 4+ years
- YEAR: 2019
- PROOF: 83 Proof (41.5% ABV)
- MSRP: $44.99
- BUY ONLINE: Brand Location Finder
LUKE'S NOTES
NOSE: Cherries | Apple | Mint | Candy
TASTE: Thin | Mint | Cherries | Green Apple
FINISH: Very short with no follow through
SHARE WITH: Don’t share this one.
WORTH THE PRICE: No. This is a very boring and simple Rye. Sad knowing what the folks who make this up the road are doing with their own barrels.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bust. I enjoy a well-made, younger Rye. This just doesn’t bring any of the spice I love in a great Rye.
OVERALL: Like the Bourbon, this is just not enough proof to get me excited. It’s especially disappointing knowing first-hand what the 4-5 year old Rye from Wilderness Trail (who contract distills this) can be at cask strength. At 110-115 proof (I’ve tried several batches in that range) they fight far outside of their weight class; at 83 proof this just misses everything. I feel like I can taste the water in the bottle which is a first for me. I appreciate their desire to be more moderately priced but if it sacrifices the overall experience it isn’t worth the savings.
BRAND NOTES
LUCA MARIANO RYE
High Rye 4+ Years
Strong spicy nose; big and bold tasting with full body; strong rye flavor accompianed by cinnamon and a variety of other spices; peppery smooth moderately long finish.
Disclaimer: Luca Mariano Distillery provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.