Journeyman Distillery Cask Strength 7 Year High Rye Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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Journeyman Distillery Cask Strength 7 Year High Rye Bourbon Whiskey Review.     


    Now, Journeyman Distillery is one of my favorite local distilleries here in Indiana. I enjoy the craft profile they bring and willing to go against the grain (pun intended). I visit the distillery pretty often and during one of my recent trips I discovered this newest release. Now, from my memory this is Journeyman's first "High Rye" bourbon to the market and at least on paper, it is coming out swinging. One cool thing about this release is all the grains are grown on the Welter Family Farm in Putnam County, Indiana. So dialing in that "Indiana craft" even more.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/B52UhENuxt8.

Age Statement: 7 years.

ABV: 59.2% (Barrel Proof).

Mash bill: 60% corn and 40% rye.

Area of Distillation: Three Oaks, Michigan.

Appearance: Oily amber.


On the nose:
    The nose opens with a soft, sweet corn-forward character. A bit of ethanol sneaks through—think light nail polish remover—but this is likely to mellow with some air. A gentle spiciness reveals the rye influence, showing up as sweet grasses and subtle herbs. There’s a light char and a distinctive red fruit note reminiscent of Twizzlers. Beneath it all, brown sugar, faint vanilla, and a touch of caramel round out the profile, although it feels a bit muted for a fresh crack on a seven-year-old bourbon.


Taste:
    Here’s where the whiskey truly shines. Dark cherries, figs, plums, and rich berries explode across the tongue, forming a decadent dark fruit medley. There’s a balanced oak presence, paired with a light char and a warm spice from the rye. Soft herbal notes and a whisper of florals follow, coating the palate beautifully. Despite the nearly 60% ABV, it drinks like something closer to 54–55%, showcasing excellent integration and softness. A faint waxy texture emerges, along with a subtle note I often describe as “well-aged, shellacked antique furniture”—a hallmark of some well-crafted bourbons.


Finish:
    The finish is long and rewarding. A peppery kick joins those lingering fruit notes, which veer into cherry cask territory. There’s also a sweetness suggestive of a toasted or double-oaked bourbon, even though this isn't labeled as such. The overall effect is warm, rich, and deeply satisfying.


Final Thoughts: 
    Journeyman’s High-Rye Bourbon is a solid example of what craft distilling can achieve when patience and transparency are part of the recipe. While the nose is a touch closed at first, the palate more than redeems it with a fruit-forward, oaky, and satisfying profile. If you're a fan of high-rye profiles or just love seeing what great craft distillers are up to, this bottle is worth tracking down.


Rating: B (Above Average).

Cost: $79.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/B52UhENuxt8.

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

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