Artisan Spirits Unveils STANHOPE Oak Rye, the First Release in Its New Workshop Edition Series – American Whiskey News
Artisan Spirits Unveils STANHOPE Oak Rye, the First Release in Its
New Workshop Edition Series
Artisan Spirits is introducing STANHOPE OAK Rye, a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Rye whiskey launching at the end of November 2026. The first release in STANHOPE’s new Workshop Edition series, OAK Rye builds on the brand’s award-winning Rye whiskey with a fresh toasted white oak stave finish, creating a wonderfully rich, complex character and a long, toasted oak finish.
Limited initially to just 900 individually numbered bottles, Workshop Edition No. 1 is a small-batch release offering whiskey enthusiasts a new interpretation of STANHOPE’s signature Rye. Initially developed for the Swedish market, the expression inspired the team to share it more widely across selected international markets.
Crafted from a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, the whiskey is slowly and carefully fermented before being distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky – Kentucky’s 10th oldest legal distillery, dating back to 1885. Once the Rye spirit passes through the Vendome copper doubler, smoothing the last of its edges, the whiskey is then filled into the finest new American white oak barrels, all originally air-dried. A final finish with fresh toasted white oak staves adds another layer of depth to the barrel-aged spirit, bringing toasted oak character to the forefront.
“Since launching STANHOPE in November 2024, one consistent message has stood out across our markets: the quality of our Bourbon and Rye has been really appreciated, which is terrific. A recent tender for the Swedish market gave us the opportunity to innovate and create the first of our Workshop Editions,” shares Andy Holmes, Founder of STANHOPE and Founder and Managing Director of Artisan Spirits.
“Positioned 15–20% below the core range, STANHOPE OAK Rye offers a deliciously rich, smooth Rye experience at a price that’s relevant in today’s market. We plan to share some of the initial 900-bottle small-batch run with our top on-trade accounts. We’re excited to see how it’s received.”
The Workshop Edition series opens a new chapter for STANHOPE, introducing limited-edition expressions alongside its established Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye whiskeys. With OAK Rye, the focus is on exploring how an additional oak treatment can develop the character of the original rye, creating a distinctive expression for both existing fans and those discovering the brand.
STANHOPE’s story connects Kentucky whiskey-making with a Scottish family’s carriage-building heritage. In 1855, Peter Holmes travelled from Glasgow to North America, where he learned the craft of carriage building in Ohio. On returning to Scotland, he established Peter Holmes Carriage Builders in 1879 and became the first in Scotland to build the reversible Stanhope Wagonette ((a design originating from the USA). Today, founder Andy Holmes continues that family legacy through whiskey crafted in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46.7% ABV, STANHOPE OAK Rye will be available in 70cl bottles, retailing at £42 in the UK and €46 in European markets. Launching at the end of November 2026, STANHOPE OAK Rye will be available online at www.stanhopewhiskey.com/store. Initial availability will include the UK, Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland and Lithuania, with further international markets to follow.
