Branch & Barrel 'High Rye' Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Colorado

Warm spice and polished oak depth open the Branch & Barrel High Rye Bourbon Whiskey, a rye-forward straight bourbon built for balance, approachability, and unmistakable Colorado character. Crafted with an elevated rye component and aged patiently for five years, this release reflects Branch & Barrel’s playful yet precise approach to distilling. It stands as a confident expression of a producer team committed to blending imagination, local sourcing, and technical rigor into every bottle.

Product Details:

• Owners: Ryan Morgan, Scott Freund, and Tom Sielaff
• Distiller: Ted Smith
• Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Age: 5 Years
• Mashbill: 64% Corn, 22% Rye, 14% Malted Barley
• Proof: 88
• ABV: 44%
• Release Date: September 2025

Sensory Description:

The nose presents layered aromas of oak, leather, rye grain, and light caramel sauce with an earthy undertone. On the palate, sweet vanilla and cinnamon stick are framed by assertive rye spice, lightly charred oak, green peppercorn, and hints of spiced walnut and cocktail cherry. Subtle notes of lemongrass and lemon custard add lift and complexity. The finish is long, extremely dry, and structured, driven by rye spice, charred oak, leather, and a final dusting of vanilla powder. Compared to softer, corn-driven bourbons, this expression leans decisively savory and spice-forward while remaining notably smooth and accessible at proof.

Distiller's Background:

Branch & Barrel Distilling was founded by Ryan Morgan, Scott Freund, and Tom Sielaff to create expressive, distinctly Colorado whiskey. Built entirely by hand using upcycled equipment, the distillery blends unconventional process with technical precision, pairing local prairie corn, San Luis Valley rye, and aquifer-fed water to create spirits rooted in place. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Ted Smith, the team has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries while honoring classic American whiskey styles.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy neat or with a few drops of water to open aromatic complexity, or over a single large cube to soften the spice-driven finish. This bourbon performs beautifully in spirit-forward cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where its rye structure and dry oak backbone provide clarity and balance.