Evergreen | Grain | Light oak | Light anise | Interesting earthy forest scents

Tempered rye spice | Faint spiced vanilla | Buttery oak | Pine needles | Rye grain | Earthy

Rye spice | Leather | Dry oak | Light pine | Faint lingering spice

Square 6 High-Rye Rye is the second Square 6 product produced exclusively at the artisanal distillery located at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in downtown Louisville. The company states in its press release, that the whiskey utilizes a new rye mashbill that differentiates itself from Heaven Hill’s traditional rye whiskey mashbill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley, and is the company’s first product to be designated a high-rye rye whiskey. The rye joins the company’s Square 6 Bourbon which is also distilled at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. The company states that artisanal distiller Jodie Filiatreau distills one barrel of American Whiskey per day at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

Like the Square 6 Bourbon that preceded the rye release, Square 6 High-Rye Rye carries itself more as a craft whiskey versus an established rye from Heaven Hill. Knowing its background origin though, this fits in line for the brand. The sip carries more youthful flavors than not, which start with the nose. However, the palate displays nice effervescent notes that provide a distinction from a typical Heaven Hill rye. While the whiskey itself provides an intriguing sip, the price tag that is attached to it is just too much for what it is. In the end, Square 6 High-Rye Rye is an average rye with a below-average value and one that will rightfully give many pause before deciding to buy a bottle or not. While this would be expected for a small craft distillery, at the end of the day, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience distillery is still owned by Heaven Hill, and it would be nice to see the company subsidize this bottle so that its price is more in line with the sip it provides.