Bright rye spice | Anise | Baking spices | Caramel | Nice intensity

Pop of rye spice forms a base | Anise | Candied raisin | Caramel chews | Slight herbal/dill note on the backend | Well balanced

Tapering yet persistent rye spice | White grape | Cinnamon | Caramel | Lingering sweet-spicy mix

The K.Luke brand was created by husband-wife team Jonathan and Jennifer Maisano and named after their two children, Kaitlyn and Lucas. Jonathan is also a first-level certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Small Batch Barrel Strength Rye Batch 5 is a 643-bottle release that combines ryes from Kentucky and Indiana and clocks in at exactly 117 proof.

While K.Luke’s batches don’t focus on the age of the underlying whiskeys (which is undisclosed), the company did not forgo the opportunity to put together an expertly balanced rye. rye spice is the focus, but never goes overboard. It’s even-tempered presence throughout the sip and is effectively underscored by complementary flavors, both unique and familiar. Highlights include a hint of anise and baking spices on the nose. They carry over into the palate where they combine with candied raisin and caramel chews before a slight herbal/dill note appears on the backend. Rye persists into and through the finish, which is joined by white grape, cinnamon, and caramel.

High quality ryes are few and far between. K.Luke manages to pull off a memorable pour with Small Batch Barrel Strength Rye Batch 5 by effectively highlighting rye spice throughout the sip along with a robust cast of complementary flavors, making it a whiskey for rye spice lovers seeking a higher proof pour.