K Luke | Toasted Rye & Batch 9

K. Luke is back for their second set of releases of 2024, including fan-favorite Toasted Rye. You already know we are big fans of K. Luke, and thought Batch 8 was their most balanced blend yet. After taking Double Gold in San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the SIP Awards, John Barleycorn Awards, and the recently announced ASCOT awards, it seems we're not alone in thinking that. Jonathan and Jennifer Maisano are blending some fantastic whiskey, from their barrel strength offerings to their toasted products and most recently dipping their feet in a wine finished blend. Today, we're back with Batch 9 Bourbon and Batch 3 Toasted Rye. If you've long been a fan of the K. Luke bourbons, Batch 9 seems to carry the torch that Batch 8 had been holding. Much like the Toasted Bourbon, the Toasted Rye is one of those bottles I'd say you wouldn't exactly know it was toasted unless someone told you. What you end up with is a great marriage of spicy and minty Indiana rye with the sweeter, candied citrus of the Kentucky.

• Banana pudding, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, light walnut, and chocolate cream are the primary focus on the nose, with underlying earthiness, leather, and oak. Smooth and softly inviting, this is a bit more reserved than some K. Luke batches in the past but still has an elegant, musty touch.
• The palate is buttery, chewy, and sweet to start, giving spiced cherries, peach ring candy, caramel sauce and charred oak a spotlight with toasted vanilla continuing. As the bottle opens the spices pick up, but as does the leather and dried oak.
• The finish is coating and elegantly spiced. A touch darker, deeper, and overall more mature drinking than Batch 8, those who enjoyed its balance or missed out will find a familiar profile here with more highlight to the age, showcasing The Maisano’s ability to nuance a blend not just a one-off occurrence.

• Sweet buttered toffee, lemon Italian ice, but not forgetting the spirit base - this thing has minty rye nipping the nostrils with every continuing sniff.
• The palate is creamy and plump, deep candied citrus notes, thick caramel sauce, but more than that are these candied, oak-kissed wintermint notes providing a cooling, menthol-like sensation with each sip.
• The finish is deep and trailing, sparring between caramel, candied sweetness and lasting minty spiciness. While very creamy, this is thick rye that isn’t afraid to call itself a rye, with the toasting just adding depth to the overall experience.

About: After tasting thousands of barrels over the past decade owners Jonathan and Jennifer Maisano decided it was time to create their own brand to share their love of whiskey and family with you. K.LUKE is a tribute to both of their children Kaitlyn and Lucas, please enjoy this Bourbon with Family and Friends as much as they do.