Thirteenth Colony Southern Rye Whiskey

Bold meets balanced in Thirteenth Colony’s Southern Rye Whiskey. This batch blends 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old barrels into one seamless expression. At 95 proof, it offers a fiery backbone that’s softened by toasted French oak spirals—oak that whispers rather than shouts. The aroma opens with cinnamon, clove, and vanilla beans; it’s sweet, spicy, and inviting. Tasting brings white cake batter, chocolate-dust nibs, and rye bread, each note dancing together before giving way to thyme and honeysuckle. The finish? Smooth and lingering: maple sugar crystals, oak, and a warm rye spice that toasts the edges of your senses. It’s the kind of rye that surprises, invites, and rewards.

Nose: Cinnamon spice and clove linger beside vanilla and light oak.

Palate: White cake batter, hot chocolate, rye bread, hints of apricot and maple sugar.

Finish: Rye spice settles; herbal notes like thyme and honeysuckle fade in, leaving oak warmth and a subtle sweetness.

Pair with gingerbread or spiced shortbread to mirror the cinnamon and clove. Try a warm pear tart—its fruitiness complements the maple and chocolate notes. For contrast, sharp cheddar or smoked gouda brings out the rye’s spicy backbone without overwhelming the palate.