Silverthorn Reserve Artist's Blend Port Finished Whiskey Review.

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Silverthorn Reserve Artist's Blend Port Finished Whiskey
I received this spirit as a review sample from Silverthorn Reserve, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.
 

    Silverthorn Reserve is a new name hitting shelves in 2026, but they are coming out of the gate with confidence. Their model is built on thoughtful barrel selection, transparent sourcing, blending, and finishing techniques, and that transparency is front and center with this release. 

    The Finishing Art Port Finished Rye is a six-barrel batch built from well-aged Indiana rye stocks and blended. After blending, the whiskey is finished in port casks, though the exact finishing time is not disclosed. Typically, port finishes run a few months rather than a year or more, but we should know a bit more via the notes and taste. On paper, it checks every box I get excited about: age, proof, finishing, and full disclosure on what’s inside the bottle.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/0dQ9Ppbvu9k.

Age Statement: 10 years.

ABV: 50%.

Blend:
• 57% 10yr old straight rye whiskey 95% rye, 5% malted barley.
• 43% 10yr old straight rye whiskey 51% rye, 44% corn, 5% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Indiana.

Appearance: Burnt orange.


On the nose:
    The aroma is striking. Bright herbal and floral rye notes rise up first, showcasing that classic Indiana profile. Clove and cinnamon stick weave through a backbone of oak char and wood sugars. Then the port influence steps in with softer fruit tones, more white grape and plum than dark jam. There is a homemade toffee note, something like dark caramel brittle without nuttiness, and a sweet-tart cranberry character that almost feels like rye folded into a fruit loaf. It is lively, expressive, and beautifully integrated.


Taste:
   The sip delivers on the promise of the nose. Dark plum and fig notes lead, followed by cinnamon, clove, and a gentle medicinal rye spice. Grape skins show up early, with hints of apple sweetness and even a touch of stewed pear. The mouthfeel is slightly oily with enough weight to coat the palate without becoming heavy. The 51% rye component adds mature corn depth, bringing a slightly dusty, well-aged sweetness that balances the spice. Fresh cracked black pepper rounds things out.


Finish:
    The finish lingers with port-driven fruit and spice. It remains balanced, with the rye spice never getting lost but also never becoming sharp or aggressive. The port cask influence softens the edges, creating a defined yet harmonious close.  


Final Thoughts: 
     Silverthorn Reserve has delivered one of the more compelling port-finished ryes I have had in recent memory. The finishing complements rather than competes with the rye, taming the sharper herbal edges while elevating fruit and texture. This is the kind of bottle I would happily keep on the shelf and return to often, not just for its flavor but for the balance it achieves. It is rich, layered, and confident without being overworked.   


Rating: A (Excellent).

Cost: $99.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/0dQ9Ppbvu9k.

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

Learn more about Silverthorn Reserve via the link here: https://www.silverthornreserve.com/.

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