Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey is a distinctive, sherry cask finished rye from Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, a family affair run by Steve and Paul Beam, descendants of one of America's most storied distilling families. The whiskey is named in tribute to their great grandfather, Minor Case Beam, a pre Prohibition distiller whose specialty was rye whiskey, and it imagines what his craft might have become had Prohibition not silenced his stills. Built on a classic mashbill of 51 percent rye, 45 percent corn, and 4 percent malted barley, the same rye component found in Beam family recipes dating back generations, the straight rye is distilled and aged before receiving its signature touch: a finishing period of around eight months in Meier's Winery number 44 Cream Sherry casks. Notably, these are American sherry casks, a rarity that helps set Minor Case apart in the small but growing category of sherry finished ryes. The cream sherry finish works beautifully to soften and enrich the spirit, lending it the smoothness and depth of a much older whiskey. Bottled at 90 proof, it pours a rich amber and opens with an inviting nose of vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, juicy orange, and dried fruit. The palate balances warm rye spice of cinnamon and black pepper against sherry driven sweetness, with figs, raisins, dates, sweet cherries, and a touch of chocolate, leading to a smooth, sweet, oak driven finish. Approachable, versatile, and richly flavored, it is excellent neat, over ice, or as a sophisticated base for elevated whiskey cocktails.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Minor Case |
| Distillery |
Limestone Branch Distillery, Lebanon, Kentucky (rye distilled at MGP, Indiana) |
| Producer |
Limestone Branch Distillery (Luxco) |
| Category |
Straight Rye Whiskey (sherry cask finished) |
| Expression |
Sherry Cask Finished |
| Age Statement |
No age statement (approximately 2 years, plus ~8 months sherry finishing) |
| Mashbill |
51% rye, 45% corn, 4% malted barley |
| Maturation |
Aged in new charred oak, then finished ~8 months in Meier's #44 Cream Sherry (American) casks |
| Bottling |
Bottled in Kentucky by Limestone Branch |
| ABV |
45% |
| Proof |
90 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky (bottled); Indiana (distilled) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich amber.
Nose: Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, juicy orange, and dried fruit, with strong cream sherry influence.
Palate: Warm rye spice of cinnamon and black pepper balanced against sherry sweetness, with figs, raisins, dates, sweet cherries, and chocolate.
Finish: Smooth, sweet, and oak driven, with good length.
FAQ
What makes Minor Case unique? It is a straight rye whiskey finished in American cream sherry casks from Meier's Winery, a rarity in the sherry finished rye category.
What is the mashbill? 51 percent rye, 45 percent corn, and 4 percent malted barley, echoing a historic Beam family rye recipe.
What proof is it? 90 proof, or 45 percent ABV.
Who was Minor Case Beam? The great grandfather of Limestone Branch founders Steve and Paul Beam, a pre Prohibition distiller known for his rye whiskey, whom this bottling honors.
How should I drink it? Neat, over ice, or in cocktails, where the sherry sweetness and rye spice add depth.
Where can I buy Minor Case Straight Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
