Larado Whiskey 8 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey Review.

    I received this spirit as a review sample from Larado Whiskey, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.

    Larado’s Single Barrel Small Batch Rye arrives with a solid introduction out the gate. Based in Colorado, they are taking their whiskey from Indiana and aging it in Colorado. And honestly, the level of transparency Larado is bringing to their releases is a breath of fresh air. There is nothing wrong with sourcing whiskey as long as you keep transparent on that and Larado is. On top of that, not only letting it age in Colorado but keeping it single barrel is going to make the release more your own.

    Now for me, bringing a rye at the higher age statement to the market is welcomed. Typically Indiana rye showcases itself in the six to eight year statements. Typically this brings the best balance of spice, sweet, fruity, and complexities without going too high in costs.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/PTOVw7xeN2I

Age Statement: 8 years.

ABV: 50%. (Single Barrel).

Mash bill: 51% Rye, 45% Corn, 4% Malted Barley.

Area of Distillation: Indiana & aged in Colorado.

Appearance: Dark golden hue.


On the nose:

    Right out of the glass, this rye opens with juicy orchard fruits, a gentle herbal rye spice, and a faint medicinal edge that quickly gives way to sweetness. There's a clear rock candy character, layered with vanilla cream and a touch of homemade caramel. Underneath it all, a hint of charred oak anchors the nose, complemented by notes of cinnamon stick and clove. That buttery corn element from the mash bill rounds everything out, making the nose lean closer to a high-corn bourbon than a classic high-rye, reminiscent of Dutch apple pie with extra Granny Smith slices tossed in.

Taste:

    It’s an herbal and earthy journey, balanced beautifully by sweet apple notes and buttery, char-grilled corn. The mouthfeel is rich and satisfying, never harsh or overly boozy despite the 50% ABV. That apple pie vibe returns here too, with sweet spice and a soft pastry-like texture. There's also a delightful green apple Jolly Rancher flavor near the finish, adding a nostalgic brightness to the sip.

Finish:

    Lingering notes of pepper, orchard fruit, and rock candy coat the palate as the sip fades slowly. It's clean, flavorful, and layered, remarkably lacking the dill note that often characterizes younger Indiana rye. Here, the maturity of the 8-year age statement shines, delivering a sweet grain character instead of the sharp herbal tones. The finish is long, balanced, and comforting, bringing you back in for another taste without hesitation.

Final Thoughts: 

    Larado’s Small Batch 8 Year Rye is a standout expression of what rye can become with thoughtful aging and a clear vision. This bottle nails the sweet spot of maturity and flavor development without losing the rye's core character. The transparency, single barrel approach, and bold yet balanced proof all make for an easy recommendation. It's a compelling option for anyone who enjoys their rye on the sweeter, more bourbon-like side, but with just enough spice and herbal depth to remind you it’s still a rye.

Rating: A (Excellent).

Cost: $79.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/PTOVw7xeN2I

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

Learn more about Larado Whiskey via the link here: https://www.laradowhiskey.com/