Journeyman Distillery Double Oaked Rye Whiskey Review.

    Journeyman Distillery has long been a staple of me when it comes to craft spirits. With roots in Three Oaks, Michigan, and a newer expansion into Valparaiso, Indiana, they have been an easy go to for pours and supporting local. Many of their spirits are grain-to-glass, certified organic and kosher (though curiously not labeled as such here), I look to themfor transparency and character. That’s part of what makes this Double Oaked Rye Whiskey release so intriguing, and perhaps, a bit perplexing.

   

     This bottle marks Journeyman’s first foray into double oaking a rye, and I believe their highest-rye content whiskey to date. It’s a distillery-exclusive release currently and composed of a blend of whiskies ranging from 3.5 to 8.5 years old. However, inconsistent labeling, a baffling mash bill, and lack of clarity on the finishing process leave more questions than answers. All distillate was produced in-house at the original Three Oaks location. 

    Now comes the confusion, according to online marketing they say this is made with 100% rye grains (linked here) which is incorrect. The rye that is 3 1/2 years has a mash bill of 60% rye, 40% wheat, 5% malted barley. Making this statement not true PLUS these percentages are over 100%, which is impossible to have. It also claims "After seven years in oak, this spirit spent eight final months in a second new American oak barrel." Now, while that is partially true, the blend includes 4 different age stated whiskeys blended together, the youngest being 3 1/2 years, as stated above. The finishing time has no discrepancy.
    

    It’s a surprising lapse for a distillery typically so upfront about its methods. While I understand miscommunication happens, the level of discrepancies is quite beyond what I've seen in my time of doing reviews. Now, while the nitty gritty details don't necessarily affect the review, issues like this make me question the release a little deeper.

    *UPDATED ON 7/14/2025. The marketing for the mash bill at the distillery has been updated to reflect a 35% Wheat VS 40% Wheat that is on the bottle and at the distillery at time of release..*

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/6V600sD2-uk.

Age Statement: 3 1/2 years.

ABV: 45%.

Blend: 100% 8 1/2 year Rye, 100% 7 year Rye, 100% 6 year Rye, 3 1/2 years 60% Rye 35% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley.

Area of Distillation: Three Oaks, Michigan.

Appearance: Dark mahogany honeycomb.


On the nose:

    The aromatics are quite promising. A bouquet of herbal spice and rye-forward brightness greets the nose, accented by notes of powdered cocoa and floral undertones. There's a toasty oak presence, barrel char and creamy vanilla, backed by a minty freshness and subtle hints of sage and cardamom. It’s inviting, layered, and classic rye in style with a dark, almost savory twist.

Taste:

    Things start well, with an initial hit of rye spice, mild cinnamon, and medicinal herbal qualities. But as the sip unfolds, it flattens out. The mid-palate lacks the expected depth, shifting toward bitterness, unfortunately not the pleasant dark chocolate or tannin bitterness one might hope for. Instead, it turns musty and dry, with a disjointed flavor that feels youthful and unresolved.

Finish:

    The finish is short and bitter, dominated by a lingering astringency and the absence of any sweetness to balance things out. It leaves the mouth dry, lacking that expected double-oaked richness, no toasted sugar, no marshmallow, no soft vanilla fade. It’s an unfulfilling end to what began with such promise.

Final Thoughts: 

    While the nose gives a lot to admire, the palate tells another story. Journeyman’s Double Oaked Rye comes off as conflicted, a blend of promising older stock overshadowed by too much young, underdeveloped whiskey. The decision to include the 3.5-year-old rye/wheat/barley mash bill component feels like a misstep, introducing bitterness and a lack of cohesion. The double oaking process, too, doesn’t seem to have imparted the sweetness or depth one would expect.

    It's not outrageously priced for a craft product, especially one with older whiskey in the blend. But given the muddled experience and off-putting finish, this one’s a pass for now. Hopefully, future iterations will lean more heavily on the older components or refine the secondary cask process to bring balance and maturity.

Rating: D+ (Below average).

Cost: $59.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/6V600sD2-uk.

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