Very Olde St. Nick Harvest Rye Lot 22 118.1 Proof 2020 750mL

Very Olde St. Nick Harvest Rye Lot 22 is a barrel-proof Kentucky rye bottled at 118.1 proof, released in 2020 as one of the label's small seasonal lots. Each lot is its own bottling, so the lot number matters as much as the name.

From the Producer

Very Olde St. Nick started in the 1980s as a Japanese-market label, built by Norio Kanayama of Japan Import System from mature sourced Kentucky whiskey, and bottled for years alongside the Van Winkle family's operation. The label now sits with Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, which releases it in small seasonal lots rather than as a continuous line. Harvest is the autumn lot, and Lot 22 is its own bottling at 118.1 proof.

Best For

Suited to rye collectors and to drinkers who want uncut proof. Neat with a few drops of water is the way to open it; it will also carry a Sazerac made with a heavier hand.

Tasting Profile

Expect the weight of barrel strength behind classic rye: pepper, dried herb and mint over caramel and toasted oak, finishing dry and hot rather than sweet.