Old Commonwealth Red Top Rye

Old Commonwealth is opening a new chapter, and it's starting in Lawrenceburg. Red Top Rye is a 100% rye mash bill Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, bottled at a robust 105 proof, built for drinkers who want their rye rich, full-bodied, and leaning fruit-forward rather than just spice-forward.

The nose opens with dried fruit—raisin and fig—layered with dried flowers and a whisper of fresh rose petal. Barrel spice follows: cinnamon, cardamom, and white pepper, rounding into something downright savory, like fresh-baked rye bread with a pat of whipped honey butter.

On the palate, dried flowers, clove, and ginger take the lead in equal measure, joined by fresh rose petal, white pepper, and steeped pear, with barrel spice trailing off at the back end. The liquid itself is lighter-bodied, but it coats the mouth well enough to hold its own. It finishes decently long, with fig and milk chocolate carrying it out.

A promising opening statement from Old Commonwealth's Lawrenceburg operation—full-bodied without being heavy, and fruit-driven in a way that sets it apart from the pepper-forward ryes most drinkers expect.

• 100% rye mash bill
• Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Distilled at the historic Lawrenceburg distillery
• Bottled at 105 proof