Distillery Debuts Cask Strength Southern Rye

13th Colony Distilleries is bringing uncut flavor to its flagship Southern Rye Whiskey in a first-ever small-batch release of Cask Strength Southern Rye Whiskey. The fan-demanded and long-awaited 120.7 proof, limited-release Cask Strength Southern Rye Whiskey will be available in select markets and online beginning in mid-August 2025. 

“Our community asked, and we’re answering: This summer we’re releasing our first-ever small batch of Cask Strength Southern Rye Whiskey, building on the popularity of our flagship Southern Rye and past releases of our single barrels of cask strength ryes,” said Maxwell Darby, president of 13th Colony Distilleries, whose flagship Southern Rye Whiskey is known for the French Oak spirals that smooth out the harsh rye spice and create a balance of flavors that appeals to all whiskey drinkers. “We selected 80 rye whiskey barrels for this Batch #1 and let time and our South Georgia climate do their work. It doesn’t disappoint, and we can’t wait for fans to try it.”

13th Colony considered releasing its first Cask Strength Southern Rye Whiskey in 2024 when it released its first Cask Strength Southern Bourbon, but, following its philosophy to age to taste, not just time, gave the rye whiskey barrels another year in the distillery’s South Georgia rickhouse. There, the natural heat cycles and an average year-round humidity of 72% could work their magic, aging the barrels until the master distiller deemed them ready. The outcome is a rye whiskey with rich, deep flavors that drinks below its proof point and holds up to 13th Colony’s promise: it’s worth drinking slow. 

Cask Strength Southern Rye Whiskey has defined tasting notes, with a nose that’s intense with caramel, brown sugar, nutmeg and clove, evolving to a vanilla and hazelnut cream with a bit of port wine and coffee beans. The palate is clove and pepper spice before the rye grain hits, then toasted whole grain bread, praline and maple flavors. For the finish, the rye oils coat the palate and add depth before transforming from fresh root beer into cooked dates, sugar plum and raisins. 

 With a mash bill that’s 95% rye and 5% malted barley, this limited-release Cask Strength Rye Whiskey will be available in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, D.C., and through select online retailers. It has a suggested retail price of $89.99-$99.99.

A full list of 13th Colony retail distribution and Cask Strength Southern Rye Whiskey retail distribution can be found at 13thcolonydistillery.com/where-to-buy.