Day 1

Russel's Reserve Single Barrel Rye

Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Mashbill: 52% Rye, 36% Corn, 12% Malted Barley

Aged: NAS (rumored 6-8 Years)

Proof: 104.0

MRSP: $80

Why I chose it: I like easing into the calendar with something approachable, and this low-rye mashbill with its higher-than-average corn content (for a rye) felt like the perfect entry point. It’s a distiller’s single-barrel pick—one they specifically chose for the gift shop—and I’d already tasted a different single barrel that day at the Wild Turkey distillery. I bought a pour, drank amongst great friends, sunshine pouring over us, overlooking the Kentucky River, it hit all the right notes: super approachable, an incredible blend of everyday value and rarity, and (for those that care) actually purchaseable.

Distiller's page: russellsreserve.com/en-us/our-products/single-barrel-rye/