In the midwest sits a small town of under 11,000 people, producing their self-proclaimed #1 Rye Whiskey in the World. Carroll, Iowa is home to Iowa Legendary Rye Distillery, where they create pre-Prohibition rye whiskey using a bootlegger's recipe and cooking up trouble in 26-gallon pot stills. They age their craft in small, 15 gallon casks, always using all-natural ingredients and doing things the old fashioned way, or in their opinion....... the right way.
This is the gold label is a fine example of a family owned secret that was finally and reluctantly passed down from Grandma Lorine Sextro. Now that recipe lives in Iowa Legendary Rye and boy, were we in for a treat! This small batch rye is a hand picked tri-barrel blend. The team strives for excellence by using new barrels, barrels with experience and double distilled double barrels to create a spirit that is not only unique, but memorable. And that's exactly what you're getting here.
Medium clover honey in color, this initially opens up with baked cinnamon apples, baking spices and just the right amount of heat from white pepper. You know you're in good hands with experience rye distillers when their product doesn't punch you in the nose, but rather "introduces you" to what comes next. The aromas switch to a spring meadow with fresh wild grasses and we were extremely intrigued. On the palate was mild pepper up front with stone fruits, nutmeg and cinnamon. The peppery notes were mild but stayed with us until the satisfying finish that made us want to pour another glass.
Who would have thought that Iowa would be producing absolutely incredible rye whiskey? This one is different. This one hits just right. This is one you need to seek and taste for yourself!
Check out our YouTube video on this bottle!
ABV: 51.5% (103 proof)
Distillery: Iowa Legendary Rye
Suggested retail price: $100.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100