There is something special about finding a well-aged Indiana rye whiskey, especially one that brings together everything I enjoy about a good MGP rye while turning up the oak, spice, and complexity. Tonight, I’m checking out a 12-year-old single barrel pick from Circle City Whiskey Company, selected for Holly’s Package Store in Greentown, Indiana. Bottled at a hefty 64.5% ABV, this is a barrel-proof rye that immediately caught my attention.
I also had the opportunity to help with the bottling of this particular pick, which made the experience a little more personal. Getting to participate in that process was a lot of fun, and it gave me another reason to look forward to opening this bottle. At around $130, it isn't an inexpensive pour, but a 12-year-old, single barrel, cask-strength rye certainly isn't something I come across every day. I have some aged Indiana rye on my shelves, but very little that combines this kind of age with this much proof.
As much as I enjoy exploring different whiskey styles and distilleries, MGP rye remains a staple of the Indiana whiskey scene. The interesting part is seeing how additional years in the barrel can change that familiar profile. In my experience, older MGP ryes can move away from some of the pronounced dill character and develop deeper tea-like notes, richer oak, and more layered spice.
Age Statement: 12 years (Single barrel).
ABV: 64.5% (Cask strength).
Mash bill: 95% rye & 5% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Appearance: Deep mahogany.
On the nose:
The nose is immediately rich and inviting, with sweet cream and vanilla meeting a substantial dose of oak tannins. There is an herbal, almost medicinal quality underneath the sweetness, along with cinnamon, clove, and a broader mix of baking spices. As I spend more time with the glass, darker black tea starts to emerge, bringing a slightly earthy depth that works beautifully with the mature oak.
There is also a sweet bread quality, almost like brioche topped with vanilla icing, that gives the nose some balance without taking away from the rye's character. A little green grass is present, but the oak, tea, and spice are doing most of the talking. Despite the hefty 64.5% ABV, it doesn't come across as aggressively hot. It is certainly barrel proof, but the nose feels composed and layered rather than dominated by alcohol.
Taste:
The first sip brings a big wave of rye spice, herbal notes, cinnamon stick, and clove, followed almost immediately by the oak influence that was so apparent on the nose. This is a tannin-heavy whiskey, and anyone sensitive to oak bitterness or drying tannins should keep that in mind. For those of us who enjoy a mature, oak-forward pour, though, there is a lot to appreciate. The texture is oily and full-bodied, giving the whiskey a rich, almost decadent feel. Vanilla cream and a touch of sweetness work to soften the edges of the darker oak and spice, although they never completely take control.
On the next sip, cooler mint notes begin to show themselves alongside the rye's floral and herbal character. The combination of mint, baking spices, and mature oak gives this whiskey a remarkable amount of depth. What's especially impressive is how manageable the proof feels. At 64.5% ABV, I might expect a much more aggressive burn, yet the richness and age make it drink closer to something in the upper 50% range. It still has plenty of power, but it delivers that intensity through flavor and texture rather than alcohol heat alone.
Finish:
The finish lingers beautifully, carrying the rye spice and oak well beyond the initial sip. Peppercorns build gradually, bringing a layered, almost rainbow-peppercorn quality that complements the cinnamon and herbal notes. The dark black tea character becomes particularly noticeable here, adding a rich, slightly earthy dimension that I absolutely love finding in whiskey.
Oak tannins remain firmly in the picture, giving the finish a drying edge, but the spice and tea keep it interesting rather than one-dimensional. This is a substantial pour with a lot to unpack, and I can easily see myself reaching for a smaller dram and taking my time with it. It feels like a whiskey meant to be shared with friends who appreciate what well-aged Indiana rye can offer.
Final Thoughts:
Circle City Whiskey Company's 12-year-old, barrel-proof rye is an excellent example of what can happen when a familiar MGP mash bill gets plenty of time in the barrel. The classic rye spice is still here, but it is wrapped in deep oak, black tea, mint, vanilla cream, and a wonderfully full-bodied texture. The oak influence is strong, and the tannins will not be for everyone, but I think they contribute to the whiskey's mature, concentrated personality. At around $130, this is firmly in premium single-barrel territory.
I would shop around before buying, since I've seen similar bottles priced closer to $150 or more, and Holly's Package Store has been one of the better-priced options I've come across. At this level, value matters, but the age, proof, and overall experience make a strong case for the bottle. It's a whiskey I would happily recommend to fans of mature, oak-forward rye, and it's absolutely worth sharing with friends who want to experience what a well-aged MGP rye can do. Depending on availability and your budget, I could even see picking up a backup bottle. I don't know how many of these single barrels are out there, but this is a release that deserves some attention.
If you're interested in checking out this pick, give Holly's Package Store in Greentown a look. Rich has been putting together some excellent single-barrel selections, and I'm grateful he gave me the opportunity to be part of this one.
Rating: B+ (Great).
Cost: $129.99 for 750ml.
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