This past summer Broken Barrel was kind enough to send samples. We share this as a disclaimer and to add that submitted samples don’t guarantee a review or a good review. Broken Barrel is known for taking expression and aging them in a barrel that has staves from less traditional types such as Sherry Cask or French oak.
Broken Barrel Whiskey is distilled and sourced from the historic Owensboro Distilling Co. Eighth-Generation Master Distiller Jacob Call distills each barrel using 100% Kentucky corn sourced from local farmers. The bourbon and rye whiskey is distilled using a 54-inch Vendome™ copper column at the top of a beer still, along with copper condensers and a copper doubler.
Bourbon Review: Broken Barrel Heresy Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
ABV: 52.5% (105 Poof)
Type: Rye
Age: 2+
Color: Light Copper
Mash Bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Oak Bill: 40% Ex-Bourbon Barrels, 40% New French Oak, 20% Sherry Cask Oak
Distillery: Owensboro Distilling Co.
Location: Owensboro, KY (USA)
The Nose: Although the Sherry Cask Oak only accounts for 20% of the Oak Bill, the sherry sweetness is dominant on the aroma. Also present is a hint of vanilla and caramelized sugar (think creme brûlée)
Tasting Notes: The front end of the Heresy Rye has an abundance of sherry sweetness with a strong rye finish. Subsequent sips reveals summer fruits, hints of cinnamon and a touch of ginger.
The Pairing: We opted to pair this with a cigar from Selected Tobacco called Byron which is an ode to the poet, Lord Byron. During the aging process the cigars are exposed do different types of wood which ties in perfectly to our libation. The cigar enhances the summer fruit on the rye, while bringing an otherwise hidden oak note to the forefront. The off-putting sherry sweetness from the rye mostly disappears from the flavor profile, which for me is a huge plus. Our pairing never affects the final score, but if it did it would add a solid 4 points.
Conclusion: When I drink bourbon or rye, I want my beverage to taste like a bourbon or rye. The addition of sherry casks or even French Oak creates an expression that in my opinion ruins the experience. With that said of all the Broken Barrel variations I’ve tried from the company this one stands above. There is enough of a traditional flavor to keep my interested, but it isn’t something I would purchase. If offered though, I would accept.
Score: 84
Price: $35.99 (750ml)
