Buzzard's Roost Char Rye

Overview
Buzzard's Roost Char Rye is a sourced rye whiskey distilled by Midwest Grain Products of Indiana, aged four years and finished in the brand's proprietary Char #1 barrels—characterized by a lighter char level and pre-toasting for enhanced flavor depth. It represents the brand's focus on elevating contract spirits through innovative cooperage and multi-barrel blending.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Founded by Jason Brauner—former owner of Louisville's Bourbons Bistro—and Judith Hollis Jones, Buzzard's Roost sources high-quality whiskey and sets it apart via proprietary barrel programs developed with cooperages. Blends may incorporate up to four or five flavor-specific barrels to achieve balance and complexity. Expert reviews note its promising evolution potential, akin to older expressions in the lineup.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Pronounced rye spice with subtle toasty oak from pre-charred barrels, building aromatic complexity.
• Palate: Bold rye character softened by lighter Char #1 influence; layers of grain-driven spice and barrel-derived depth emerge in blends from multiple select barrels.
• Finish: Lingering spice with a clean, promising warmth that hints at further maturation potential.

Notable details

• Production: Distilled by Midwest Grain Products; non-traditional barrel prep includes full toasting before lighter Char #1 application.
• Lineage: Brand built on Louisville restaurant heritage, emphasizing sourced rye finished in custom cooperage.
• Comparison: Positive reviews position it as a solid young rye with depth rivaling more aged peers, though value questioned at full MSRP.

"Buzzard's Roost Char #1 Rye Whiskey is a solid, tasty pour with promising complexity for its age, but it's best sampled at a bar before purchasing due to its cost." – Bourbon Banter

Closing
A thoughtful rye for rye enthusiasts seeking barrel-driven nuance in a young expression.

Sources

[1] Bourbonbanter – "Buzzard's Roost Char #1 Rye Whiskey Review"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Buzzard's Roost Whiskey Review: Char #1 Rye, Cigar Rye & Barrel Strength Bourbon"