Rye & Sons comes from André Hueston Mack, a sommelier who built his reputation at The French Laundry and Per Se before founding the Maison Noir wine label, and the winemaking background shapes how this whiskey is put together. It is released in annual vintages rather than as a continuous product, with each year's release drawn from that year's barrels and blended on its own terms. This is the 2022, the inaugural release, made in collaboration with Pinhook and their master blender, and distilled in Danville and Frankfort, Kentucky. Treating whiskey the way a winemaker treats a vintage is genuinely unusual in American spirits, where consistency year to year is normally the goal, and it means each release carries its own character rather than being blended toward a house standard. The intent behind the bottle is equally clear: this was built to be poured freely rather than saved. It is bottled at 97.5 percent proof, 48.75 percent alcohol by volume, which gives it enough weight to hold its shape in a cocktail without becoming a chore to drink neat. The nose opens on vibrant orange zest and sweet cane syrup with warm clove and a lift of eucalyptus. The palate moves through anise, roasted nectarine and salted caramel with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and it finishes with prickles of peppery warmth. It works as a straightforward sipper and it makes a genuinely good Manhattan or Old Fashioned, which is where a rye at this strength and price earns its keep on a home bar.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
48.75% |
| Proof |
97.5 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Danville and Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Vintage |
2022 |
| Release |
Inaugural annual vintage release |
| Age |
No age statement |
| Producer |
Rye & Sons, in collaboration with Pinhook |
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright fire yellow to light gold with medium viscosity.
Nose: Vibrant orange zest and sweet cane syrup, with warm clove and a refreshing lift of eucalyptus.
Palate: Anise, roasted nectarine and salted caramel, balanced by a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Finish: Closes with prickles of peppery warmth and lingering spice.
FAQ
What proof is Rye & Sons 2022? It is bottled at 97.5 proof, or 48.75 percent alcohol by volume.
Why is there a year on the label? Rye & Sons is released in annual vintages rather than as a continuous product. Each year's release is drawn from that year's barrels, so the character differs between vintages in the way a wine would.
Who makes it? The brand was founded by André Hueston Mack, a sommelier and winemaker known for his work at The French Laundry and Per Se and for the Maison Noir wine label. The whiskey is distilled in Danville and Frankfort, Kentucky in collaboration with Pinhook.
Is it good for cocktails? Yes. At 97.5 proof it has enough backbone to stand up in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned without being washed out, which is the main reason it was built at this strength.
Does it have an age statement? No. It carries a vintage year rather than an age statement, indicating the release year rather than time in barrel.
Where can I buy Rye & Sons 2022 Kentucky Straight Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
