Union Horse Reunion Rye “is a small batch 100% rye whiskey from Union Horse Distilling Co. handcrafted from the finest quality rye in our copper pot still, then aged to perfection in our signature oak barrels.” The 100% rye is interesting, but not wholly unique as there are other 100% ryes on the market and like their Union Horse Bourbon they use an enzyme to do the starch conversion instead of malt. What I was interested in knowing more about is what exactly is a “signature oak barrel”?
I reached out to the distillery, who sent me this bottle, and got some clarification. This is what they sent back “The signature oak barrels come from Southwest Missouri and are made from local Missouri American Oak. Union Horse Distilling Co. requires that they are produced from 24 month, air dried, outdoors seasoned, aged wood at a char level of #3, toasted heads and branded with the UHDCo. logo.” So there you have it, now on to the Union Horse Reunion Rye review!
Union Horse Reunion Rye Info
Region: Kansas, USA
Distiller: Union Horse Distilling Co.
Mashbill: 100% Rye
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 2 Years
ABV: 46.5%
Batch: 1
Bottle: 904
Price: $55*
Union Horse Reunion Rye Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Fruit, rye spice (dilly), toffee, vanilla, oak, toasted nuts, Orange Creamsicle and a dash of pepper, citrus and butterscotch. I’m enjoying the heck out of this and blown away it’s only 2 years.
PALATE
Caramel, dilly rye spice, oak, vanilla, blueberry muffins and toasted nuts with light notes of pepper and leather. A tasty young rye.
FINISH
Long and sweetly spicy with notes of caramel, spice, oak, vanilla, anise and blueberry muffins.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Nicely balanced, full body and a warm homey feel to it.
OVERALL
Wow, I cannot believe this Union Horse Reunion Rye is only 2 years old. Like the Union Horse Reserve Bourbon it does have a touch of that “young oak” craft nature to it, but it’s well balanced and full of character. It’s a whiskey that’s well worth some attention and with a bit more maturity it’ll be a real contender in the the daily drinker category. Even now it’s something that I come home, look at and say to myself “I could go for a glass of that tonight.”
Union Horse Reunion Rye is tasty stuff and if you can find it for a price you can part with I’d pick one up. It’s awesome to experience a young whiskey that holds this level of maturity. Another awesome release by Union Horse who is officially on my “craft distilleries to watch” list.
SCORE: 86/100 (B)
*Disclosure: This sample of Union Horse Reunion Rye was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.