The Basics: 

Kentucky Artisan Distillery

108.8 Proof

5 Years Age Statement

$130 MSRP

Nose:

Caramel fudge, butterscotch, oak, candied ginger, orange marmalade, and white chocolate.

Palate: 

Effervescent, orange soda, grassy, peaches in syrup, raisins, rye bread, mint, and fennel. 

Finish:

Pepper, oak, cardamom, light mint, and lemon peel. 

Final Thoughts:

Coalition is the latest release from Kentucky Artisan Distillery, showcasing a 100% rye whiskey at cask strength. On the first pour, the nose hits you immediately with an intense sweetness reminiscent of butterscotch and candied ginger. As you take the first sip, orange soda is on the forefront of the palate with a lot of citrus and an almost effervescent quality. The finish follows through with classic notes you would expect to find in a rye, along with another hit of citrus. Overall, this rye whiskey is very orange forward from the nose to the finish, which will please a lot of rye fans. I, however, tend to lean more towards rye whiskies that have a green apple or spicy flavor profile, so I am interested to see how the flavors develop now that the bottle is open. This rye was certainly enjoyable, and one I plan to keep out on my bar with such a beautiful bottle design.