Seared mint | Ginger | Strawberry | Bubblegum | Anise

Cherry | Strawberry | Vanilla extract | Mint | Blackberry

Rye grain | Heavy rye spice | Leather | Clove | Black cherry | Charred oak | Slightly dry

KO Distilling was founded in 2015 by lifelong friends and neighbors Bill Karlson and John O'Mara, whose initials inspired the "KO" name. Located in Manassas, Virginia, the distillery set out to produce grain-to-glass American whiskey using locally sourced grains from the Mid-Atlantic region. KO Distilling has become particularly known for its boxing-inspired marketing and for emphasizing traditional production methods such as mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging, and bottling, all on-site. As one of Virginia's early modern craft distilleries, KO Distilling has helped establish the state's craft whiskey industry.

We originally reviewed Bare Knuckle Straight Bourbon in 2019, and the company continues to truck along. It’s taken them some time, but their age statements have risen, and their Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye releases now hit the 5 year mark. The Virginia heat definitely has left its mark, as the color of the rye is a beautifully dark copper hue.

At 125 proof, the rye is big, and it drinks big. Rye spice and rye grain dominate the sip, giving credence to the company and bottle’s namesake. This is a rye for people who like big, punchy flavor. Seared mint, ginger, strawberry, bubblegum, and anise create an interesting and unique aroma. The palate starts off red-fruity focused before turning to vanilla, mint, and blackberry. The finish features the aforementioned rye spice. As it slowly resides, leather, clove, black cherry, and charred oak poke out ever so slightly.

For fans of big ryes, Bare Knuckle Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye definitely delivers in that department. The rye’s body still remains a bit underweight, and the whiskey’s overall flavors trail off a bit too quickly. Yet the rye’s spice lingers, reminding you it isn’t going away without a fight. There’s a really nice collection of flavors here, and a bit more fine-tuning and mellowing that might come with additional age could wrangle this aggressive rye nicely.

‍The rye in review is from barrel #19-0434, bottle #6.