In the heart of Kentucky's bourbon country, where the air carries the sweet scent of aging barrels and the legacy of distilling runs deep, Town Branch Distillery has stepped up its game. This Lexington-based outfit, known for blending old-school craftsmanship with fresh ideas, recently unveiled a pair of standout whiskeys that have enthusiasts buzzing. We're talking about the Town Branch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and the Town Branch 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey—two limited releases that promise bold flavors without breaking the bank.
For guys who appreciate a solid pour after a long day, whether it's kicking back on the porch or sharing stories around the fire pit, these whiskeys hit the sweet spot. Town Branch isn't just churning out bottles; they're crafting experiences. By adopting a blend-to-order approach, the distillery focuses on creating unique, small-batch runs that stand out in a crowded market. This means each release is tailored for maximum impact, drawing from carefully selected stocks to deliver something special every time.
Take the Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, for instance. This one has been quietly building a reputation for years, racking up awards and turning heads among those in the know. It earned its stripes as a top contender, even getting a nod from big-name publications for being among the best ryes out there. But in 2022, the team decided to allocate it, holding back some of those precious blending components to ensure future batches stay top-notch. Now, it's back as an annual treat, hitting shelves in August with around 475 cases for the 2025 drop.
What makes this rye so compelling? It's a small-batch straight rye at 100 proof, striking a perfect balance between lively younger barrels and the deeper, more mellow ones. The mash bill leans heavy on rye—90 percent, with just 5 percent corn and 5 percent malted barley thrown in for smoothness. Aged in new American white oak barrels charred to a #4 level, the spirit pulls from a range of maturities, from four to nine years old. The oldest barrel in the mix? That'd be number 3278/16H07, clocking in at over nine years. Bottled at 50 percent ABV, it offers a robust kick that's ideal for sipping neat or mixing into a classic cocktail like a Manhattan. And at a suggested retail of $49.99 for a 750ml bottle, it's a steal compared to other high-end ryes that can easily double or triple that price.
Then there's the 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey, a bold entry into the growing American single malt scene. Town Branch has been distilling this since 2008, using their double pot stills that were cleverly installed in the brewery while the full distillery was still being built. This gave them a jump on aging, resulting in what they claim are the oldest Kentucky single malt stocks anywhere. It's made from 100 percent malted barley, aged for at least seven years—up to ten in some cases, with the veteran barrel 1444/14H18 leading the pack at over a decade.
The cooperage here is a clever twist: third-use American white oak barrels that previously held Town Branch bourbon and their Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This upcycled approach adds layers of complexity, infusing the whiskey with subtle notes from its bourbon heritage while letting the malt shine through. At 87 proof (43.5 percent ABV), it's a bit gentler than the rye, making it approachable for those evenings when you want something smooth yet full of character. Like its rye counterpart, it's an annual August release, with about 487 cases expected for 2025, and it carries the same $49.99 price tag. Over the years, this single malt has picked up medals and praise, proving Town Branch's knack for excellence in a category that's still finding its footing in the States.
Behind these releases is a commitment to quality that goes beyond the basics. The distillery has refined its blending techniques, incorporating wider age ranges and stricter quality checks to ensure every bottle measures up. Robert Krass, the managing director, sums it up best: "Don't just make something, make something great." He explains how the team doesn't settle—they push through countless trials. For the straight rye alone, it took more than 15 micro-blends to nail the perfect harmony. That kind of dedication resonates with anyone who's ever tinkered in the garage or fine-tuned a project until it's just right.
Town Branch's story adds to the appeal. Nestled in Lexington, it's the first new distillery to fire up operations there since Prohibition ended, marking a revival of local spirit-making. As part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., it's unique on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—the only spot that combines brewing and distilling under one roof. This dual setup not only nods to tradition but also sparks innovation, like those upcycled barrels that give the single malt its distinctive edge.
In a world where special-release whiskeys often come with sky-high prices and endless waiting lists, Town Branch is keeping things real. By pricing these under $50, they're making high-quality, allocated spirits accessible to everyday folks who value a good deal as much as great taste. It's about passing on the savings directly, letting more people dive into categories like straight rye and American single malt without the sticker shock.
For whiskey lovers scanning shelves or hunting online, these two expressions invite exploration. The rye beckons with its spicy, balanced profile, while the single malt offers a malt-forward journey rooted in Kentucky soil. Together, they represent Town Branch's evolution, blending time-honored methods with forward-thinking tweaks to create whiskeys that don't just sit in the glass—they tell a story.
If you're ready to add some intrigue to your collection, keep an eye out this August. Supplies are limited, but the reward is a taste of Kentucky craftsmanship that's hard to beat. For more on what Town Branch is up to, check out their site at www.lexingtonbrewingco.com. Who knows? These might just become your new go-tos for those quiet moments of reflection or lively gatherings with friends.
