Kentucky Owl Rye Batch No. 1 is the inaugural rye release in the celebrated Kentucky Owl small batch series, launched in September 2017 by Master Blender Dixon Dedman as the brand's first ever rye expression following the success of his bourbon batches. Aged a minimum of 11 years and bottled at 110.6 proof, this debut rye was crafted from a hand selected collection of mature Kentucky Straight Rye barrels blended to accentuate both delicate fruit aromatics and the full bodied character of long aged rye. The release earned 95 points from Whisky Advocate and was crowned the Top Whisky in their Summer 2018 Buying Guide, cementing the brand's reputation among serious collectors. Production was strictly limited and rolled out in just 25 US markets, with primary market stock clearing rapidly. As the first chapter in the Kentucky Owl rye saga that ran four batches before concluding with The Last Rye Batch No. 4, this debut release is a defining bottle for fans of the brand and one of the most important small batch ryes of the modern era. Crafted under the Wise Man's Rye banner first established in 1879.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Kentucky Owl |
| Producer |
Kentucky Owl, Bardstown, Kentucky |
| Master Blender |
Dixon Dedman |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Small Batch |
| Composition |
Hand selected collection of Kentucky Straight Rye barrels |
| Age |
11 Years |
| Cask |
New Charred Oak |
| ABV |
55.3% |
| Proof |
110.6 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
USA |
| Released |
September 2017, inaugural Kentucky Owl rye batch |
| Distribution |
Limited to 25 US markets at launch |
| Awards |
95 points Whisky Advocate, Top Whisky Summer 2018 Buying Guide |
| Status |
Discontinued, sold out at primary market |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich caramel amber.
Nose: Honey, cinnamon, and warm cinnamon rolls layered with vanilla, mandarin orange, mint, and a delicate floral bouquet.
Palate: Sweet and full bodied with floral honey, dried citrus, marshmallow, cherry, strawberry, oak, clove, and cinnamon. Layers of toffee, baking spice, lemon zest, and a touch of fresh herb build through the mid palate.
Finish: Long and warming with lingering oak, rye spice, dark caramel, and a final flourish of cinnamon and clove.
FAQ
What makes Batch 1 significant? Batch 1 is the very first Kentucky Owl rye ever released, launching the rye series in September 2017 after the brand's bourbon batches had already established the Wise Man's reputation. Whisky Advocate awarded it 95 points and named it the Top Whisky in their Summer 2018 Buying Guide.
Where does the rye come from? Kentucky Owl does not publicly disclose its source distilleries or mash bills. Master Blender Dixon Dedman selects mature Kentucky Straight Rye barrels for each release, typically aged a minimum of 11 years for the debut series.
How does Batch 1 compare to later Kentucky Owl ryes? Batch 1 is widely regarded as the most fruit forward and floral of the Kentucky Owl rye series, with reviewers consistently calling out its unusual lack of typical earthy rye character. The series progressed through four batches before concluding with the discontinued Last Rye Batch 4. The acclaimed Bourbon Batch 9 is also worth exploring for collectors of the brand.
Where can I buy Kentucky Owl Rye Batch 1 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
