LAWS Whisky House “Barrel Select” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #508 San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($74.99)

LAWS Whisky House is quickly becoming one of the country’s most prominent new craft distillers. Not only have they been able to create an exciting array of excellent whiskies, but they’ve done so following a not altogether common motto in our industry, “there are no shortcuts.” We respect that kind of commitment to quality, and the proof is in the pudding. While their entire line of whiskies offers something special, it is the San Luis Valley Rye that offers the most distinctive and distinguished experience. The powerful flavors of the high-protein heirloom varietal paired with the dry maturation regimen that their Denver warehouses offer creates a unique and truly delicious flavor profile unparalleled by any other craft or legacy distiller. So, when we were offered this OLDER cask strength version of one of our favorite craft ryes, we absolutely had to have it. This awesome barrel was distilled on December 28th, 2015 and bottled just under 5.5 years old on April 30th, 2021. Bottled at cask strength of 58.9% ABV without chill filtration.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 03, 2021

This delicious single barrel of San Luis Valley Rye is one of the very best craft ryes we’ve yet to try. There’s a huge influx of craft distillers offering rye of various quality and character, but LAWS has found a formula that’s as delicious as it is unique. Using the heirloom varietal of rye grown by farmers in south central Colorado, their Straight Rye is derived from an equal blend of malted and unmalted rye. This semi-wild varietal, now being cultivated exclusively to produce this particular whisky, offers character unlike the industrial ryes grown in Canada and Germany for the rest of the industry. Expect a stupendous mixture of rich salted caramel, a complex bouquet of mints and licorice bark on the nose. On the palate, a vibrant mixture of sweet, earthy oak, bold cacao, tangy green herbs, and burnt Seville orange peel. It’s truly incredible what these guys have managed to achieve in such a short time, and we couldn’t be prouder to be partnered with them.