Fortune's Fool The Overture Straight Rye Whiskey.

    Fortune’s Fool has quietly built a strong reputation out of Indianapolis, Indiana, especially for delivering younger rye whiskeys that don’t taste rushed or underdeveloped. Their Prelude Rye made a lasting impression and even landed on my top list back in 2023, so expectations were naturally high heading into Overture. This release marks their first official three-year-old rye.

    While Fortune’s Fool is contract distilling through a partner in Frankfort, Kentucky, they’re far from just sourcing whiskey. Their approach sits in that middle ground where the mash bill, barrel prep, and production details are intentional and brand-driven. From the outside looking in, this felt like the logical next step for the brand. Overture leans heavily on barrel influence to define its profile. The barrels are built using staves that were air-dried for a full 24 months, allowing the wood to naturally season without rushing the process. Even more unique is their charring method, which uses oak fires rather than propane or electric heat. 

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/EYssMShld0Y.

Age Statement: +3 years old.

ABV: 54.7%

Mash bill: N/A.

Area of Distillation: Frankfort, Kentucky,

Appearance: Light golden.


On the nose:

    Right away, this opens with a dry, classic rye spice profile. Herbal notes lead the way, followed by mint, light medicinal tones, and a distinct green peppercorn character. There’s a nice waxy texture on the nose that hints at barley in the mash, along with a noticeable layer of barrel char. A subtle candy-like sweetness sits underneath it all, reminiscent of a green Jolly Rancher, though far less sweet and more restrained. The nose is balanced, expressive, and surprisingly full-bodied for its age.

Taste:

   The palate delivers a solid, coating mouthfeel with pronounced rye spice up front. Herbal, floral, and grassy notes dominate, followed by cinnamon, clove, and a touch of caramel sweetness. The sweetness teased on the nose shifts into a more drying profile on the sip, with the barrel char playing a central role. There’s a slight wood sugar note, but this is clearly a potent, spice-forward rye that stays true to style rather than pushing into sweeter territory.

Finish:

   Medium to long, drying, and spice-driven. Green peppercorn, charred oak, and lingering herbal notes hang on nicely. There’s no harshness or youthful bite, and the whiskey never drinks hot for its proof. It’s clean, controlled, and consistent, though not especially complex.

Final Thoughts: 

    Overture is a solid, well-made rye that avoids the common pitfalls of younger whiskey. It doesn’t taste rushed, thin, or overly aggressive, and the barrel program clearly adds character beyond its age. That said, it doesn’t quite reach the heights set by Prelude, especially in terms of depth and complexity.

   

    At its typical $65 price point, the value just isn’t there for a three-year-old rye that stays this firmly within the traditional lane. At $40, however, it becomes a much more compelling bottle and an easy recommendation for rye fans who appreciate a char-forward profile.

Rating: C (Average).

Cost: $64.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/EYssMShld0Y.

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