I've been keeping an eye on the American craft rye scene for a while now, and Driftless Glen Small Batch 4 Year Old Rye is exactly the kind of bottle that reminds me why. At 48% ABV, it sits in that sweet spot — enough proof to carry real weight and flavour without burning the roof of your mouth. Four years in barrel is young by some standards, but for a rye? That's enough time for the wood to do its job without smothering the grain character that makes this category so exciting.
Let's talk about what you're getting here. This is a small batch rye, which means they're selecting and marrying barrels rather than dumping everything into one giant vat. That curation matters. It's the difference between a whiskey that tastes like it was made with intention and one that just exists. At four years old, you should expect the rye grain to be front and centre — that peppery, herbaceous backbone that defines the style — with the oak playing a supporting role rather than dominating the conversation.
The 48% ABV is worth highlighting. It's bottled above the legal minimum of 40%, which tells you something about the distiller's confidence in the liquid. That extra proof means more texture on the palate and better structure in cocktails. It's not cask strength territory, but it's robust enough that adding an ice cube won't collapse the whole thing.
Tasting Notes
I'll be upfront — I'm not going to fabricate specific tasting notes I can't confirm. What I can tell you is that a four-year rye at 48% ABV should deliver on the classic rye promises: spice, a touch of fruitiness from the barrel, and that dry, grainy finish that keeps you reaching for another sip. The small batch selection should add some complexity and consistency to the profile.
The Verdict
At £61.95, the Driftless Glen Small Batch 4 Year Old Rye sits in competitive territory. You're paying a premium over the big Kentucky names, but you're also getting a craft product bottled at a higher proof with genuine small batch selection behind it. For someone who wants to explore beyond the usual suspects — your Bulleit, your Rittenhouse — this is a solid step up. The proof is right, the age is appropriate for the style, and it's the kind of bottle that works equally well neat or in a cocktail. I'm giving it a 7.8 out of 10. It delivers on its promises and offers genuine character, which is more than a lot of bottles at this price point can claim.
Best Served
This is a rye that's practically begging to be put in a Manhattan. The 48% ABV means it won't get lost behind sweet vermouth, and that rye spice will cut through beautifully. Two parts rye, one part sweet vermouth, a couple of dashes of Angostura, stirred over ice and strained into a coupe. If you're drinking it neat, give it five minutes in the glass — let it open up and settle. A single large ice cube works well too, especially if you want to stretch the session out.
