Broad Branch Rye x Brewtally Honest Bourbon
Broad Branch Distillery – Barrel 146 Rye Fidelity 145 Proof • Barrel #146 Barreled: June 29, 2017 Dumped: February 20, 2026 Aged: 8 Years, 7 Months Appearance The whiskey immediately commands your attention with an extraordinarily deep mahogany hue, illuminated by rich ruby and burnt copper highlights as it catches the light. Its dense, saturated amber core speaks to years of patient maturation, displaying a richness rarely seen even among well-aged barrel-strength ryes. The color alone suggests remarkable concentration, mature oak influence, and exceptional depth long before the first nosing. Nose An intoxicating aroma rises from the glass with luxurious black cherry syrup, layered over deeply charred oak and an elegant bouquet of warm baking spices. Notes of cinnamon bark, freshly grated nutmeg, clove, and a whisper of allspice intertwine with rich burnt molasses, creating remarkable depth and complexity. Beneath it all rests a foundation of roasted vanilla bean, toasted oak, and caramelized sugars that continue to evolve with every pass through the glass. Palate The arrival is nothing short of exceptional. An incredibly rich, velvety mouthfeel immediately coats the palate, showcasing impressive viscosity and weight. Waves of cracked black pepper provide vibrant rye character without ever overwhelming the whiskey’s remarkable balance. Layers of roasted pecans, deeply caramelized burnt brown sugar, and mature charred oak unfold effortlessly, while subtle notes of tart dark berries add brightness and dimension. The creamy texture ties every element together, allowing the darker sweetness and seasoned oak to exist in perfect harmony. Finish The finish is graceful, warming, and wonderfully composed. Toasted nuts and lingering baking spices slowly fade into restrained sweetness, while a gentle leathery richness develops without becoming drying. The warmth lingers through a medium-to-long finish, delivering a comforting embrace that reminds you of its formidable proof without ever becoming abrasive. Even at 145 proof, the whiskey remains remarkably elegant. Glass Performance This rye displays exceptional viscosity, leaving behind thick, oily legs that slowly descend the glass. As the whiskey settles, a pronounced dense haze clings to the interior—an unmistakable sign of a spirit bottled with its natural oils intact and properly matured over time. It’s the kind of glass performance enthusiasts hope to see from a truly premium, barrel-strength whiskey. Overall Impression Simply put, this is one of the most beautifully balanced rye whiskeys I have ever tasted. Every component—from the luxurious mouthfeel and mature oak to the interplay of rye spice, dark sweetness, layered fruit, and lingering finish—works in complete harmony. Nothing dominates; every note complements the next. At 145 proof, it delivers extraordinary intensity while maintaining remarkable refinement. Barrel 146 is a masterclass in balance—a whiskey that possesses immense power, unwavering elegance, and the unmistakable character that only time, patience, and exceptional barrel selection can create. It is a rye that doesn’t merely impress; it leaves a lasting impression.