Town Branch Distillery, the main distilling arm of Lexington, Kentucky-based Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, announces its allocated annual release of Town Branch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Limited quantities released nationwide in celebration of National Rye Month in August. The 100-proof release is $49.99.
In 2020, following a packaging refresh at Town Branch, the Rye whiskey underwent a significant yet subtle adjustment with a new mash bill featuring a higher rye content. The new blend, composed of 90% rye, 5% corn, and 5% malted barley, was carefully developed and subsequently submitted to the Beverage Testing Institute’s (BTI) American Whiskey reviews in 2021—a blind tasting conducted by industry professionals. It received an outstanding rating of 96 points, the highest for rye that year, and was soon after named the ‘Best Rye Whiskey’ by Forbes in their Top Whiskeys of 2021 announcement.
“Initially, after the Forbes recognition, we ‘soft allocated’ this brand to monitor maturation while ensuring minimal stocks continued to flow to our network as needed,” recalls managing director Robert Krass. “However, this year, we’ve especially held back on this brand.”
This strategy allowed for the rebuilding of well-aged Rye stocks and even let some barrels rest for extended aging. Moving forward, Town Branch Rye will be released annually in August, blended-to-order based on wholesaler needs and at the blenders’ discretion. This year’s release will be limited to around 500 cases nationwide. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
National Rye Month
Rye whiskey has a rich history in the U.S., spanning several hundred years. More recently, it has gained popularity among elite bartenders looking to diversify their whiskey offerings and revive classic cocktails that once featured rye. August marks National Rye Month—a lesser-known whiskey holiday compared to Bourbon Heritage Month or International Whisky Day. However, it presents a fantastic opportunity to broaden your palate and explore the diverse flavors of rye whiskey.
To honor this tradition, Town Branch Distillery makes its rye available for sale each year as part of the celebration. Visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com for rye cocktail recipes from bartenders across the US and to find retailer availability nationwide.
Town Branch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (SRP $49.99/750ml)
- Blended-to-order and released in August for National Rye Month. The average blend is approximately 6 years old, with a core blending range of 4 to 9 years, adjustable based on the blender’s preference for each release.
- Mash Bill: 90% Rye, 5% Corn, 5% Malted Barley
- Age: 4 to 9 years blending range, averaging about 6 years
- ABV: 50% / 100 Proof
- Estimated Availability: 500 cases, not including single barrels
- Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Rich Amber Honey
- Aroma: Rye spice, mature oak, vanilla, apples, and caramel
- Palate: Dry oak, spice of nutmeg, black pepper, walnut, brown sugar, and honey syrup
- Finish: Gentle smooth warm and sweetly spiced finish