West Fork Whsky Co. High Rye Hot Honey Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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West Fork Whsky Co. High Rye Hot Honey Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review. 

    West Fork Whiskey Company has made a name for itself in Indiana’s growing craft whiskey scene, distilling, aging, and bottling all of its own spirits in Westfield. This release is something special, a high-rye straight bourbon finished in a hot honey barrel, created through a collaboration between three Indiana locals. The bourbon starts as West Fork’s high rye mash bill, then takes a turn into a barrel that previously held hot honey crafted by King Butter, using honey sourced from Mumbe's Orchard in Atlanta, Indiana. It’s a single-barrel release, and the second time West Fork has explored this concept, with the first using their wheated bourbon. I enjoyed that one, so the high-rye version had me both intrigued on what differences there will be!


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/4ak0ZM3MzE0.

Learn more about King Butter via his link: https://kingbutter.com/

Age Statement: N/A. (Single Barrel).

ABV: 50%.

Mash bill: 73% corn, 27% rye.

Area of Distillation: Westfield, Indiana.

Appearance: Cloudy gold.


On the nose:
    There’s no mistaking the hot honey influence. Sweet, rich honey mingles with dusty corn, a wisp of vanilla cream, and a charred wood undertone. Then the spice comes in, red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and a lively heat that feels ready-made for pairing with food. The rye brings subtle herbal and earthy notes that give it structure without dulling the honey’s glow.


Taste:
    It’s like a spicy hot toddy in bourbon form. Sweet honey greets you first, followed quickly by that capsaicin heat, red pepper warmth and a gentle tingle. The high rye mash bill adds herbal brightness that keeps the sip from becoming syrupy. There’s a touch of orchard fruit sweetness, possibly from the honey’s floral sources, alongside light vanilla and char from the barrel. Despite the bold flavors, the balance is impressive, nothing feels harsh or overwhelming.


Finish:
    Lingering white pepper spice and warm honey sweetness trade places on the palate, with the corn and rye grain character gradually coming forward. It fades gently, leaving a pleasant, peppery echo rather than a punishing burn.


Final Thoughts: 
    This is not an everyday sipper, it’s a statement pour. It is a very limited release (just over 100 bottles), it’s a bottle made for adventurous whiskey fans. While it won’t be for everyone, West Fork deserves credit for pulling off such a bold and balanced experiment, showcasing the potential of local collaborations in craft whiskey. For me, it earns a solid B. If a future batch appears, it’s worth grabbing, at least once, for the experience.


Rating: B (Above average).

Cost: $44.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/4ak0ZM3MzE0.

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

Learn more about King Butter via his link: https://kingbutter.com/

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