Belle Meade Honey Rye is a 9-year-old Kentucky rye whiskey finished in honey casks and bottled at barrel proof strength of 113 proof (56.5% ABV). This single barrel expression from American Bourbon Company combines traditional rye spice with innovative honey cask finishing, creating a uniquely balanced high-proof whiskey that stands out in today's competitive rye market. Black Magic Spirits brings this exceptional bottle from American Bourbon Company in Shelbyville, Kentucky — a minority women-owned operation that's making waves with innovative finishing techniques. The honey cask finishing process adds layers of complexity to the already robust 9-year rye foundation, while the non-chill filtered, straight-from-barrel approach preserves maximum flavor intensity and mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Wildflower honey, black pepper, cinnamon bark, toasted oak, dried orange peel
• Palate: Clover honey sweetness, rye spice heat, vanilla bean, caramelized brown sugar, leather
• Finish: Long finish with lingering honey warmth, peppery rye bite, charred oak tannins

Product Details

Spirit Type	Kentucky Rye Whiskey
ABV	56.5% (113 Proof)
Volume	750ml
Age Statement	9 Years
Distillery	American Bourbon Company
Region	Shelbyville, Kentucky
Barrel Type	Honey Cask Finished
Production	Single Barrel, Non-chill Filtered

Perfect For

• Rye Whiskey Collectors: Single barrel proof expressions with unique finishing
• Cocktail Innovation: High-proof base for honey-forward Old Fashioneds and Manhattans
• Neat Sipping: Complex sipper that rewards careful attention and a splash of water
• Supporting Craft Distilling: Minority women-owned operation pushing boundaries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Belle Meade Honey Rye taste like?

Belle Meade Honey Rye delivers intense rye spice balanced by wildflower honey sweetness from the honey cask finishing. The 113 proof brings heat and complexity, with notes of cinnamon, black pepper, and caramelized sugar creating a robust flavor profile that's both spicy and sweet.

Is Belle Meade Honey Rye good for cocktails?

Yes, the high proof and honey sweetness make it excellent for stirred cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. The honey cask finishing adds natural sweetness that reduces the need for simple syrup, while the 113 proof ensures the whiskey won't get lost when diluted with ice and mixers.

How should I drink Belle Meade Honey Rye?

Start neat to appreciate the full intensity, then add a few drops of water to open up the honey and spice notes. The high proof benefits from dilution, which reveals more subtle flavors while taming the heat. It also shines in spirit-forward cocktails where you want the whiskey to be the star.

Is Belle Meade Honey Rye worth the price for a 9-year rye?

The combination of 9-year age statement, single barrel selection, honey cask finishing, and barrel proof strength offers exceptional value compared to similar aged rye expressions. The unique finishing process and minority women-owned distillery operation add both flavor complexity and story worth supporting.

What is similar to Belle Meade Honey Rye?

If you enjoy honey-forward whiskeys like Wild Turkey American Honey or finished ryes like WhistlePig's specialty releases, Belle Meade Honey Rye offers similar sweetness with more traditional rye backbone. It's less sweet than flavored whiskeys but more approachable than standard high-proof ryes.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.