Cream of Kentucky Bottled In Bond Straight Rye Whiskey: A RYE-vival of American Purity and Heritage
Discover a testament to time-honored distillation and rigorous quality with Cream of Kentucky Bottled In Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. This exceptional release proudly carries the historic Cream of Kentucky name, re-envisioned for today's discerning palate under the watchful eye of one of bourbon's most respected figures. As a "Bottled in Bond" rye, it signifies an unwavering commitment to purity, age, and a singular expression of Kentucky craftsmanship.
This distinguished rye whiskey is brought to life under the expert guidance of legendary Master Distiller Jim Rutledge (formerly of Four Roses). It is uniquely distilled, aged, and bottled at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, Kentucky. This hands-on approach, often featuring 100% estate-grown Rymin rye, ensures complete control over the process from grain to glass, delivering a truly singular rye experience.
The "Bottled in Bond" designation is a federal guarantee of quality and authenticity, ensuring this whiskey meets strict criteria:
- It is the product of a single distilling season (January-June or July-December).
- It is made by one distiller at one distillery.
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It is aged for a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse.
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It is bottled at precisely 100 Proof (50% ABV).
Cream of Kentucky Bottled In Bond Straight Rye Whiskey often exceeds the minimum age, with releases frequently being 6 or 7.5 years old, allowing for a richer, more complex flavor development than the four-year requirement. This extended aging, combined with its distinct rye mash bill, creates a profile that is both robust and remarkably refined.
Key Characteristics:
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Bottled in Bond Certified: Guarantees adherence to strict federal standards for purity and quality.
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Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: Made with a mash bill of at least 51% rye, ensuring a bold rye character. (Specifically noted as 100% Rymin Rye in some batches, which is a rare and unique feature.)
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Master Distiller Jim Rutledge: Overseen by a bourbon legend, reflecting a commitment to excellence.
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Estate Grown Rye (for some batches): Utilizes unique 100% Rymin rye grown and processed at Kentucky Artisan Distillery.
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Aged 6-7.5+ Years: Exceeds the 4-year BiB minimum, contributing to greater depth.
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Bottled at 100 Proof (50% ABV): Delivers a full-flavored, authentic drinking experience.
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Limited Releases: Often available in small batches (e.g., 70 barrels for some releases), making it highly sought after.
Tasting Notes (Reflecting its distinct rye character and BiB proof):
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Appearance: Deep, inviting amber with warm, copper highlights.
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Nose: A complex bouquet unfolds, often starting with vibrant notes of spearmint, fresh rye bread, and cinnamon. It evolves with brown sugar, black pepper, and subtle floral hints, complemented by light fruitiness (raisins, plum) and a whisper of pipe tobacco or seasoned oak. Some batches also reveal notes of dusty grain or fresh-cut hay.
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Palate: Full-bodied with a creamy, velvety mouthfeel. The initial burst of rye spice (cinnamon, black pepper, anise, ginger) is balanced by underlying sweetness – hints of brown sugar, caramel, woody caramel, or even a unique "raisin bran cereal" note. Earthy depths, oak, and sometimes notes of milk chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, or citrus (orange zest) add layers of intrigue. The 100 proof delivers warmth without overpowering heat.
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Finish: Medium to long, clean, and pleasantly warming. Lingering notes of spiced honey, black pepper, cayenne, and a delicate touch of spearmint or dried fruit persist, leaving a refined and memorable impression.
Awards & Recognition:
Cream of Kentucky Bottled In Bond Straight Rye Whiskey is highly regarded within the whiskey community for its unique profile and adherence to rigorous standards. While specific widespread international competition awards are continually being earned, it consistently receives:
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Strong positive reviews from critics and enthusiasts for its distinctive character and quality.
- Praised for its originality and bold rye expression within the Bottled in Bond category.
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Considered a premium and collectible rye due to its limited releases and the involvement of Jim Rutledge.
Overall Impression:
Cream of Kentucky Bottled In Bond Straight Rye Whiskey is a remarkable and compelling spirit that stands as a true homage to Kentucky's distilling heritage. Its strict adherence to the Bottled-in-Bond Act, combined with Jim Rutledge's expertise and the unique qualities of its rye, results in a whiskey of exceptional purity, depth, and character. For enthusiasts of robust rye whiskeys and collectors of historically significant expressions, this is a must-have addition that delivers a powerful, authentic, and utterly unique taste of the bluegrass state.
