1776-2026 Kentucky Straight Rye

Curator’s Notes

The 250th anniversary of the United States of America holds great significance to Caleb’s Crossing Whiskey Co. Our brand’s namesake, my 5th-great-grandfather Caleb Jennings (1759-1816), served in the Virginia Militia and later in the Regiment of Guards in the Continental Army. When crafting this special release, I set out to recognize both our nation’s 250 years of freedom as well as Caleb’s service and post-war pioneering spirit. To accomplish this task I decided upon a unique blend of rye whiskey, America’s original whiskey. But unlike the rye that was produced in Colonial days, this whiskey was distilled and aged in Kentucky, America’s original frontier.

Composed of a pair of exquisite, hand-selected rye whiskey barrels from two distinct mash bills (95/5 rye and an experimental 100% rye), Caleb’s Crossing’s 1776-2026 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey offers a reflective sipping experience with a heartfelt salute to our past. Its 98/2 composite mash bill, a once-popular, though seemingly forgotten historical rye recipe, combined with an eight-year maturation in two of Owensboro, Kentucky’s most revered rickhouses, is a toast to legacy and the determination of our forefathers. dj

Color: rich amber

Nose: honey, vanilla frosting, lemon squares, peppered pineapple, candied peach, confectioners sugar, sweet herbal-floral spice

Taste: caramel drizzle, brown sugar glaze, dried orchard fruit, charred oak, sugar cookie, barrel-aged citrus zest, spice drops

Finish: medium-long w/ grilled apple, toffee, toasted honeycomb, “rickhouse candy,” oak spice, singed lemon peel, Pixy Stix w/ white pepper

The specifications for individual batches are available on our RELEASE DETAILS page under the batch year of release.

What Others are Saying

Complex, absolutely delicious, and blows away the notion of ryes not being cigar friendly.

It’s akin to walking into the somewhat dark, dusty, rye abode we all know and opening up the curtains and windows to let the light and air in to more fully appreciate the surroundings. It’s somewhat familiar, but takes you on a new, wonderfully enjoyable ride in this category.

– Lee Delaney, Kentucky Colonel

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