On February 10th, 2023, I lost my mom to vascular dementia. This release will be for her. One of only 4 Barrels of this released by River Roots, a 7-Year Port-Finished Kentucky Rye - released in her memory with a portion of every bottle sold going toward the fight against Dementia and Alzheimer’s. This release comes in at 127.92 Proof and is a 100% Rye Mash sourced from Green River. Thank you to Ryan Lintz of River Roots for donating the wax color change to purple and to John Martin for the label design. Here’s to our loved ones, their memory, and their legacy. This release is a Grape Soda Masterpiece! Appearance | Deep amber with ruby undertones. Slow, syrupy legs cling to the glass, hinting at both the perfect age and the residual sweetness from the Port finish giving a slight purple & ruby finish. Nose | Ripe red berries — raspberry reduction, black cherry, and stewed plum. Classic rye spice rising underneath: cracked pepper, toasted caraway, cinnamon bark. Layers of dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and a touch of pipe tobacco. Subtle wine-driven notes of fig and red grape skin. A hint of oak char and leather signaling 7 years of maturity. Palate | Immediate burst of spiced fruit compote — grape soda, cherry, fig, and blackberry syrup. The rye’s structure cuts through the Port sweetness with clove, anise, and peppercorn. Mid-palate | Brings butterscotch, cocoa nib, and dark honey. Oak influence emerges with toasted barrel, faint leather, and a very slight touch of nuttiness. Rich, warm, and dessert-like without becoming syrupy. Finish | Long, warming finish with lingering red fruit, cinnamon heat, and a touch of wine-tannin dryness that balances the sweetness. Hints of dark chocolate, cherry skins, rye spice, and toasted oak echo well after the sip. The finish pleasantly lingers on your palate making you ready to grab your next sip. Overall Impression | A mature, 7-year rye that marries rye spice and port-driven richness beautifully. The finish doesn’t overwhelm; instead, it elevates the grain’s natural character and the port finish. Expressive, dessert-leaning, and complex — a standout pick that was unanimously chosen by the pick team.
