Woody Creek Returns With Some 🔥

By now it's no secret how much we've enjoyed the whiskey coming out of Woody Creek Distillers. After two incredible single barrels of their rye we're back with a third, and I don't think it's a stretch to say these are some of the best ryes on the market.

Woody Creek Distillers is a grain-to-glass distillery based in Basalt, Colorado, founded in 2012 by Mary and Pat Scanlan and Mark Kleckner. They grow or locally source 100% of their grains and potatoes, distilling everything on custom CARL copper stills. While they're best known for their vodka and gin, it was their whiskey, especially the William H. Macy Reserve Rye, that first grabbed our attention, landing #2 on my Top Craft Whiskeys of 2025.

We're back with our third Colorado Straight Rye Single Barrel. 10-years old, 141.6 proof, and made from 100% Colorado-grown Elbon rye, these barrels have continued to impress us with their ability to deliver huge flavor without drinking anywhere near their proof. Last year's release was my favorite rye single barrel of the year, and each barrel I've tasted since has only reinforced how special these whiskeys can be. If you haven't had the chance to try one yet, I can't recommend them enough.

The nose opens with a key lime pie note, from its bright citrus to its buttery graham cracker crust. Still, there's that familiar whiskey-filled Gusher note that drew us to these barrels in the first place, continuing with luscious caramel, aromatic oak, vanilla bean, and cane sugar. It's wonderfully expressive, especially for a rye pushing 140 proof.

The palate has a fantastic sizzle to it, and I'm sure the proof helps. Viscous, buttery, and citrusy, this is perhaps the most balanced of the ryes we've selected so far. Dried pineapple, maraschino cherry juice, and a bit of lemon-lime soda concentrate (or Guaraná, if that's more your speed) bring a playful, syrupy sweetness before giving way to a subtle cooling mint. There's a beautiful balance between the candied fruit, rich sweetness, and mature oak.

The finish stays rich and coating, with lingering citrus, buttery caramel, and cane sugar sweetness slowly giving way to a drier, more seasoned oak character. Expressed lime peel and cooling mint continue to linger alongside balanced oak, bringing a nice contrast to the sweeter notes that came before.