Silver Springs "The Silver Springs Rye Band" 8 Year Kentucky Straight Sweet Rye Whiskey Barrel Battalion Pick

Not all high-proof whiskeys drink like high-proof whiskeys.

This Silver Springs Rye Single Barrel is a perfect example. Bottled at a staggering 131 proof (the first for the brand at this high a proof), it consistently fooled our tasting panel into thinking it was closer to 118 proof. The balance, texture, and integration of flavors make this one of the most approachable high-proof rye-forward bourbons we've encountered.

Adding to its appeal, this is a short barrel, resulting in a limited yield and fewer bottles available than a typical single-barrel release.

Barrel Details

• Age: 8.5 Years
• Proof: 131 Proof
• Mashbill: 65% Rye, 15% Corn, 20% Malted Barley
• Barrel: ISC Char #3
• Barrel Type: Short Barrel
• Limited Yield

Tasting Notes

Nose

The aroma opens with vibrant cherry sweetness layered over classic vanilla and cola notes. Together, they create a nostalgic vanilla-cherry-cola character that immediately draws you back for another sip.

Palate

The front palate delivers rich baking spices, cinnamon, and a refined rye spice profile that remains bold without becoming aggressive. As the whiskey develops, notes of creamy butterscotch emerge alongside subtle black pepper and darker spice tones. Hints of red soda and caramelized sweetness round out the experience, while the corn and malted barley components provide balance and depth beneath the rye-forward foundation.

Finish

The ISC Char #3 barrel makes its presence known on the finish. Soft vanilla coats the palate and lingers with an oily, mouthwatering texture. As the flavors slowly fade, notes of fresh mint, rye grain, and green apple candy emerge, creating a long and memorable finish.

Why We Selected This Barrel

This was the highest-proof Silver Springs Rye our team had personally encountered, yet it was also among the most approachable. The proof delivers intensity without harshness, allowing the whiskey's complexity and texture to remain front and center.

While more Silver Springs products may reach the market in the future, this was among the final Silver Springs Rye barrels available for private selection. Combined with the short barrel yield, this release is especially limited.

For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a unique high-proof rye whiskey that overdelivers on flavor while drinking remarkably below its proof, this is a bottle worth securing while it remains available.