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Luca Mariano Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review

In Rye Whiskey Reviews by Luke CastleLeave a Comment

Luca Mariano bourbons and whiskeys are aged in oak barrels to perfection and inspected thoroughly before bottling ensuring only the highest quality of bourbon and whiskey in every bottle.Luca Mariano Distillery
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LUCA MARIANO SMALL BATCH RYE WHISKEY

NOSE: Cherries | Apple | Mint | Candy

TASTE: Thin | Mint | Cherries | Green Apple

FINISH: Very short with no follow through

SHARE WITH: Don’t share this one.

WORTH THE PRICE: No. This is a very boring and simple Rye. Sad knowing what the folks who make this up the road are doing with their own barrels.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bust. I enjoy a well-made, younger Rye. This just doesn’t bring any of the spice I love in a great Rye.

OVERALL: Like the Bourbon, this is just not enough proof to get me excited. It’s especially disappointing knowing first-hand what the 4-5 year old Rye from Wilderness Trail (who contract distills this) can be at cask strength. At 110-115 proof (I’ve tried several batches in that range) they fight far outside of their weight class; at 83 proof this just misses everything. I feel like I can taste the water in the bottle which is a first for me. I appreciate their desire to be more moderately priced but if it sacrifices the overall experience it isn’t worth the savings.

Learn more about Luke's whiskey preferences and check out more of his reviews…

Disclaimer: Luca Mariano Distillery provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sr. Contributor |

Growing up in Minnesota gives a person a great appreciation for anything that warms the body and soul. Whiskey and wine have been helping to warm Luke for many years. Jim Beam and coke morphed into whiskey waters and eventually Bourbon. Two buck chuck led to several trips to Napa Valley and a love for most varietals of wine. He is fortunate enough to have traveled most of the US through his career in financial services. A beautiful and understanding wife mostly tolerates his other hobbies including golf, hunting, and reading. 2 young kids keep them busy as well. Appreciation for the subtle differences that each decision a distiller makes keeps him coming back for more and has him excited for the future.
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Luke Castle

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Growing up in Minnesota gives a person a great appreciation for anything that warms the body and soul. Whiskey and wine have been helping to warm Luke for many years. Jim Beam and coke morphed into whiskey waters and eventually Bourbon. Two buck chuck led to several trips to Napa Valley and a love for most varietals of wine. He is fortunate enough to have traveled most of the US through his career in financial services. A beautiful and understanding wife mostly tolerates his other hobbies including golf, hunting, and reading. 2 young kids keep them busy as well. Appreciation for the subtle differences that each decision a distiller makes keeps him coming back for more and has him excited for the future. Read Luke's full profile.