Locke + Co 'Kindred Spirits' Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Rye Whiskey, Colorado

Crafted as a bold exploration of wood and spirit, Locke + Co’s ‘Kindred Spirits’ Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Rye Whiskey is a distinctive collaboration release that channels both mountain‑distilled rye character and wine‑cask influence. This limited edition marries the house 95% rye / 5% malted barley mash bill with Colorado-aged barrels plus a finishing period in wine-seasoned casks, delivering a whiskey made for sipping, and made to showcase the interplay of rye spice and red-wine complexity.

Product Details:

• Expression Name: “Kindred Spirits” Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Rye Whiskey
• Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
• Initial aging: Aged in new American oak (30-gallon barrels from Minnesota) for approximately 2 years, followed by finishing with hand-cut, charred Aspen wood discs for about 8 months
• Finishing period: Finished in former Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels
• Proof / ABV: Exact proof not publicly confirmed; earlier “Kindred Spirits” bottlings suggest a range near 103.5 proof (51.75% ABV)
• Production volume: Limited release; exact bottle count not disclosed
• Farming/grain sourcing / altitude aging: Distilled and aged at high altitude in Colorado using locally influenced practices and proprietary Aspen wood finishing

Sensory Description:

On pouring, expect a deep amber-to-light ruby hue, hinting at both oak and wine-cask influence. The nose opens with classic rye spice, sizzling peppercorn, charred cinnamon bark, and quickly folds in darker fruit tones like black cherry compote, cassis, and red plum skin. Beneath that lies cedar, toasted oak, and the lift of mountain air. On the palate, the rye backbone provides a firm structure: warm rye spice up front, followed by vanilla-toffee sweetness, layered red-wine tannins, and dried currant character. The finish lingers with dark chocolate, espresso-like depth, and a dry, wood-driven spice that speaks to both Cabernet and Aspen wood influence. This is a whiskey built for sipping, expressive and balanced with structure and finesse.

Distiller’s Background:

Locke + Co Distilling was founded by sixth-generation Coloradan Owen Locke alongside longtime friend and fellow whiskey enthusiast Rick Talley. The pair combined a legacy of Colorado bootlegging with a forward-thinking approach to craft distilling, centering their process around high-altitude aging, small barrels, and a proprietary finishing technique using hand-cut, charred Aspen wood discs. Their core expressions showcase a commitment to both innovation and local identity. The “Kindred Spirits” series reflects a creative edge in their portfolio, pairing their robust, spicy rye with finishing casks drawn from wine collaborators, such as this Cabernet Sauvignon barrel-aged release, adding complexity while staying true to their Rocky Mountain roots.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve neat in a classic whiskey glass at room temperature (70–75°F) to appreciate its full aromatic complexity and spice-laced finish. This whiskey also shines in a black-cherry Old Fashioned or a bold Manhattan. For pairings, consider herb-crusted lamb chops, dark chocolate with sea salt, or aged blue cheese. A must-try for adventurous rye drinkers and fans of wine-cask-finished American whiskey, this release is a standout for collectors and connoisseurs alike.