Preservation Pot Distilled Cask Strength Rye

If you think you know Kentucky rye, this bottle is here to challenge your assumptions. While the vast majority of the state’s whiskey flows from towering industrial column stills, Preservation Distillery has turned back the clock, crafting this spirit entirely in a traditional pot still. The difference isn't just technical; it’s palpable.

Without the high rectification of a column still, this rye retains a heavy, oily viscosity that coats the glass and the palate with undeniable weight. It is a "micro-batch" in the truest sense—blended from just one to three barrels at a time—ensuring that the liquid in your hand is a distinct, unrepeatable snapshot of the distillery's inventory.

The mashbill itself is a labor of love, utilizing Northern Artisan Rye, Heritage Corn, and a unique addition of Roasted Barley that imparts a dark, savory depth. Bottled at a formidable cask strength (often hovering around 117 proof), this is not a spirit for the faint of heart. It is a rich, textural throwback to how whiskey used to be made: slow, small, and full of character.

Nose: The aroma is dense and inviting, leading with cracked black pepper and honeycomb before revealing layers of roasted pecan, spiced pear, and worn leather.

Palate: Thick and buttery on the tongue, it delivers a powerful surge of butter-rum sweetness and dark fruit, wrestling with savory notes of toasted grain and clove.

Finish: Exceptionally long and warm, the experience concludes with a lingering grip of oak spice, caramelized sugar, and a final, nutty earthiness.

The roasted barley notes in this rye make it a perfect companion for smoked brisket; the char of the meat mirrors the toasted grains in the spirit. For a lighter option, try figs wrapped in prosciutto, where the fruitiness of the rye bridges the gap between the sweet fig and salty pork. Ending the evening? A chunk of 70% dark chocolate will highlight the whiskey’s mocha and leather undertones without being overpowered by the proof.