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# Luca Mariano Small Batch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review
- URL: https://www.bourbonbanter.com/luca-mariano-small-batch-kentucky-straight-rye-whiskey-review/
- Published: 2019-08-20T00:00:01.000Z
- Updated: 2023-03-30T20:58:21.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Luke Castle
- Tags: Rye Whiskey Reviews, Luca Mariano Distillery, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2023-03-13 09:32, #updated, Bust, KY

## **BOTTLE DETAILS**

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- ****DISTILLER:** [Luca Mariano Distillery](https://www.lucamariano.com/?ref=bourbonbanter.com#/varieties) (contracted distilled at [Wilderness Trail Distillery](https://wildernesstraildistillery.com/?ref=bourbonbanter.com))
- ****MASH BILL:** Not Disclosed
- ****AGE:** 4+ years
- ****YEAR:** 2019
- ****PROOF:** 83 Proof (41.5% ABV)
- ****MSRP:** $44.99
- ****BUY ONLINE:** [Brand Location Finder](https://www.lucamariano.com/?ref=bourbonbanter.com#/locations)

## **LUKE'S NOTES**

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****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.

## **BRAND NOTES**

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#### **LUCA MARIANO RYE**

High Rye 4+ Years  
Strong spicy nose; big and bold tasting with full body; strong rye flavor accompianed by cinnamon and a variety of other spices; peppery smooth moderately long finish.

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**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.*