Minden Mill Rolls Out Rye Nationally
Minden Mill Distilling has announced the nationwide release of its Single Estate Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey.A representation of Nevada’s high desert terroir, the 94-proof four-year-old whiskey is made with grains harvested from local fields, cultivated and overseen by Minden Mill, and distilled at the estate distillery. Master Distiller Joe O’Sullivan produces the expression using a mash bill of 80% rye, 10% soft white wheat and 10% estate-malted barley. It reflects the high-desert environment—where dramatic temperature swings and a tight 90-day rye growing season. The distillate is cut with water sourced from the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe.Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye is aged in a combination of Seguin Moreau New American and French oak barrels with a #3 char in traditional wooden rickhouses calibrated to mimic the temperature and humidity of Kentucky’s Nelson County.“Very few producers own the full process from grain to glass, and that’s where Minden Mill Rye starts to stand apart. We don’t just distill the whiskey – we grow it,” says Minden Mill Master Distiller O’Sullivan. “Unlike most rye whiskeys, you won’t find any spice bombs here. It’s far more savory and balanced than most people expect. This mash bill was designed to highlight the candied orange peel character that is our house style.”Recently named Nevada Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition, Minden Mill is among a few U.S. distilleries committed to full grain traceability and oversight at every stage of production that happens on its 1,200-acre estate. The Minden Mill portfolio also includes an American Single Malt Whiskey and a Nevada Straight Bourbon Whiskey.Minden Mill Nevada Straight Rye Whiskey is available for $45.
Wolves and Willett Return With Rye
Wolves teams with a bourbon legend for its latest limited-edition release, Wolves and Willett Limited-Edition 10-Year Rye Whiskey.
In collaboration with the iconic Willett Family Estate, this exclusive blend of straight rye whiskey highlights both brands’ commitment to quality, technique and flavor, while paying tribute to their respective homes of Kentucky and California. Bottled at 103 proof, this release marks the third installment in the collaboration and the only product to feature an age statement.
To create this expression, Willett hand-selected 10-year Kentucky rye barrels, while Wolves’ Head Blender Eddie Gonzalez chose 10-year old rye, aged for seven years in Indiana and finished with three years in Northern California. The diverse aging environments soften the rye’s natural spice, resulting in a richer, more balanced profile."Partnering with Willett on this release has been an honor," says Jennifer Marks, President of Wolves. "This rare blend reflects our shared dedication to craftsmanship and bridges two distinct whiskey traditions, combining Willett’s storied Kentucky legacy with Wolves’ modern California perspective."The packaging nods to Willett’s long-standing heritage, featuring the signature bird and crown emblem, which first appeared in London’s Pewter's Hall in 1684 and still graces Willett’s bottles today.Wolves and Willett Limited-Edition 10-Year Rye Whiskey is now available for $355.
Sazerac Ups Its Proof
Buffalo Trace Distillery's Sazerac Rye is getting high (with its proof) with its Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof.Developed in response to demand from bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts, the expression was extensively developed to ensure the new proof didn't overtake the Sazerac's signature flavor.“As the whiskey of America’s first cocktail, Sazerac Rye has played a central role in rye whiskey’s resurgence,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Bartenders have increasingly embraced 100 proof ryes for the balance, strength and versatility they provide. Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers greater control over flavor and balance, empowering creativity behind the bar. It’s built to be the perfect cocktail whiskey.”“Sazerac Rye 100 Proof was crafted specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts in mind,” added Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. With the renewed interest in classic cocktails that rely on a rye whiskey base, we focused on ensuring this higher-proof spirit delivers complexity and structure without losing its signature profile. We’re proud of the result and look forward to seeing it elevate cocktails around the world.”A longtime favorite among bartenders, Sazerac Rye Whiskey honors both the character of New Orleans and the history of American spirits.Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof is now for $29.99.
Jefferson's Heats Things Up With Brooklyn Beckham
Jefferson's Bourbon spices things up with its newest expression, a Straight Rye Whiskey.To celebrate the release, Jefferson’s has partnered with Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and his hot sauce brand Cloud23 to reimagine the Manhattan. Beckham and Jefferson’s have updated the classic cocktail, infusing it with a spicy kick from his signature Hot Habanero sauce and dubbed the Brooklyn23.“I’ve always been passionate about experimenting in the kitchen, and my brand Cloud23 is all about the joy of culinary discovery,” says Could23's Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. “That got me thinking, why not bring that same spirit to cocktails? Partnering with Jefferson’s, a brand that shares my love for innovation, has been an incredible experience. We’re creating something fresh and exciting that breaks the mold - that’s what both of our brands are about.”To bring the experience home, Jefferson’s is offering limited-edition “Manhattan to Brooklyn” cocktail kits through Cocktail Courier. Each kit includes everything needed to create the Manhattan and Brooklyn23 cocktail (see recipe below).Jefferson's Straight Rye Whiskey is now available for $34.99.
Sagamore Breaks Out New Strength Cask Rye
Sagamore Spirit has just released a new batch of its Cask Strength Rye Whiskey.This 100% Maryland-made cask strength rye whiskey is seven years old and 123 proof. 61.5%. Creating the new batch of Cask Strength Rye Whiskey starts with Sagamore’s commitment to sourcing grains through their grain-to-glass process and connecting with the local farming community. These grains are used to create its high-rye and low-rye whiskeys that are both triple distilled and matured for seven years before being blended in small batches. The blending of two straight whiskeys gives complexity, while triple distillation process enhances its smoothness.Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Whiskey is rolling out nationwide this month for $69.99