Buzzard's Roost Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey
Price History
Overview
Buzzard's Roost Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey is a potent, unfiltered rye sourced from MGP and re-barreled in lightly charred new American oak, marking the brand's first barrel-strength release designed to layer wine-like tannins onto a rye foundation.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey |
| ABV | 57.5% |
| Mashbill | At least 51% rye |
| Release Info | First barrel strength offering, with base whiskey from MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN) and finishing at Bardstown Bourbon Company |
| Age | 4 years |
Good to know
Founded in 2019 and led by CEO Judy Hollis Jones with master blender Jason Brauner, Buzzard's Roost emphasizes innovative re-barreling in new, lightly charred (#1 char) American oak barrels to develop distinctive flavors. The brand started with rye expressions before expanding into bourbon, sourcing base spirits from MGP while aging further in Kentucky.
Tasting notes
- Nose: Complex aromatics that extend beyond classic fruit and spice into unique tannic, wine-like notes from the light char re-barreling.
- Palate: Creamy textures balance neutral sweetness and rye aggression, with re-barreling adding depth via subtle oak tannins without overpowering the base spirit's boldness.
- Finish: Smooth and potent despite the high proof, lingering with rye spice and enhanced fruit when water is added.
Notable details
- Production: 4-year-old rye re-barreled in Char #1 new American oak; non-chill filtered for full intensity.
- Lineage: Women-led brand using MGP-sourced whiskey, finished at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
- Comparison: Offers more aggression than the distillery's toasted French oak bourbon, appealing to fans of high-proof ryes.
- Availability: Originally SRP $85 per 750ml; limited as an early barrel-strength experiment.
Serving suggestions
Best neat for bold sippers or with a few drops of water to unlock fruit notes; cocktails can tame its potency.
"Re-barreling in lightly charred American oak adds unique tannic elements without overpowering the base rye... smooth despite high proof, with water enhancing fruit notes." – The Whiskey Wash
Closing
A brave sipper's rye, blending creamy depth with unyielding proof for those seeking rye beyond the ordinary.
Sources
[1] Thewhiskeywash – "Buzzard's Roost Bourbon Review: Toasted French Oak Bourbon & Barrel Strength Rye"
[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Buzzard’s Roost Barrel Strength Straight Rye Whiskey Review"
[3] Drinkhacker – "Buzzard’s Roost Straight Rye Barrel Strength Review"