Rabbit Hole Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Most Kentucky rye is a compromise. It uses just enough rye to get the name on the label, then fills the rest of the mashbill with corn to keep things sweet and safe. Boxergrail isn't interested in playing it safe. Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian leaned into the spicy, aggressive character of the grain, utilizing a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill that is rarely seen south of the Ohio River.

This is a Louisville rye with a Northern soul. By skipping the corn entirely, the spirit retains a sharp, floral intensity that defines the category. It enters the barrel at a lower entry proof, allowing for more water to interact with the wood sugars during the aging process without extracting harsh tannins.

Bottled at 95 proof, the result is a whiskey that feels surprisingly substantial. It balances the inherent grit of the rye grain with a caramel sweetness derived from the distillery’s signature toasted and charred barrels. You are tasting a modern interpretation of Kentucky whiskey—one that respects tradition but refuses to be bound by it.

Nose: A punchy, vibrant aroma of brown sugar and garden herbs leads the way, followed quickly by cracked black pepper and a bright streak of lemon zest.

Palate: The mouthfeel is crisp and lively, delivering immediate flavors of citrus and butterscotch that give way to a sophisticated, earthy spice.

Finish: Clean and dry, the experience concludes with lingering notes of black tea, sweet vanilla, and a final, warming kick of pepper.

The lack of corn in this mashbill makes it an ideal partner for rich, savory meats. Serve it alongside smoked sausages or a charcuterie board; the rye spice cuts through the fat of the cured meats effortlessly. For a main course, pork chops with apple sauce work beautifully, as the fruit notes in the whiskey bridge the gap between the savory pork and the sweet apples. If you need a sweet finish, a pecan praline offers a sugary, nutty crunch that balances the dry heat of the spirit.