Saddler Kentucky Straight Malted Rye Whiskey is a 100-proof, 4-year-aged single barrel expression crafted from 100% malted rye at Kentucky Saddler Distilling in Newport, Kentucky. This non-chill filtered, cask strength bottling delivers the full intensity of malted rye with sweet butterscotch and caramel complexity that earned its signature tagline: "This rock is smooth."

Kentucky Saddler Distilling takes a bold approach to rye whiskey, using 100% malted rye in their mash bill rather than the traditional rye-corn blend. Located along the Ohio River in Newport, this craft distillery focuses on small-batch, single barrel releases that showcase the pure character of their grains. Each bottle represents a singular moment in time, captured from one carefully selected barrel.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Sweet butterscotch, vanilla bean, toasted malt, honey drizzle, warm baking spices
• Palate: Rich caramel, malted grain sweetness, butterscotch candy, vanilla custard, gentle rye spice
• Finish: Medium to long with lingering honey, vanilla warmth, and a unique maltiness that sets it apart from traditional rye whiskeys

Product Details

Perfect For

• Neat Sipping: Experience the full maltiness and proof strength that makes this rye unique
• Whiskey Collectors: Very limited single barrel release with only 100 bottles produced
• Rye Whiskey Enthusiasts: Discover how 100% malted rye differs from traditional rye recipes
• Special Occasions: Share something truly distinctive that represents Kentucky craft distilling innovation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Saddler Kentucky Straight Malted Rye taste like?

Saddler offers a sweeter, more malt-forward profile than traditional rye whiskeys, with prominent butterscotch and caramel notes balanced by gentle rye spice. The 100% malted rye mash bill creates a unique character that's both familiar and distinctive, with vanilla and honey complexity at 100 proof strength.

How should I drink this malted rye whiskey?

This whiskey is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the maltiness and sweet notes. The cask strength bottling allows you to control the intensity - start neat to experience the full flavor, then add water gradually to find your preferred strength.

What makes this different from regular rye whiskey?

Unlike traditional rye whiskeys that use corn in the mash bill, this expression is made from 100% malted rye, creating a sweeter, more malt-driven flavor profile. The malting process develops enzymes that create different sugars during fermentation, resulting in the distinctive butterscotch and caramel notes rather than the typical dry spice of standard rye.

Is this a good value for a single barrel whiskey?

This represents excellent value for a 4-year, cask strength, single barrel Kentucky whiskey with a unique 100% malted rye recipe. The limited production of only 100 bottles per barrel and non-chill filtered presentation delivers craft distillery quality at a competitive price point for premium American rye whiskey.

What whiskeys are similar to Saddler Malted Rye?

For similar maltiness, consider New Riff Malted Rye or Wilderness Trail Bottled-in-Bond Rye, though Saddler's 100% malted rye recipe makes it unique in the Kentucky market. If you enjoy the sweet, malt-forward profile, you might also appreciate single malt whiskeys or bourbon with high wheat content in the secondary grain.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.