FEW Spirits out of Evanston, Illinois, have built a reputation for doing things their own way, and the Immortal Rye is a bottle that lives up to that ethos. As someone who spent years pouring American rye behind a Michelin-starred bar, I've watched the rye revival unfold in real time — and FEW has been one of the craft distilleries consistently putting out whiskey that actually justifies the price tag. At 46.5% ABV, the Immortal Rye sits at a proof point I genuinely appreciate: strong enough to carry weight in a cocktail, gentle enough to sip without adding water.
What draws me to this bottle is the category itself. American rye whiskey, by law, must be distilled from a mash bill containing at least 51% rye grain, aged in new charred oak barrels, and entered into those barrels at no more than 125 proof. That legal framework matters because it guarantees a certain backbone — rye grain brings spice, pepper, and a dry herbal character that sets it apart from bourbon's sweeter corn-driven profile. The Immortal Rye leans into that identity rather than trying to smooth it away, which is exactly what I want from a craft rye.
This is a NAS (no age statement) release, which in the craft world often means the distillery is blending barrels of varying ages to hit a flavour profile rather than chasing a number on the label. For a smaller operation, that's a smart move — it lets the blender work with what the warehouse gives them. And at this price point, around £62.75, you're paying for the liquid and the craft behind it, not a marketing campaign.
Tasting Notes
I'll be upfront: I'm not going to fabricate specific tasting notes here. What I can tell you is that at 46.5%, you should expect the rye grain character to come through with confidence — think dry spice, a peppery kick, and that signature rye sharpness that makes this style of whiskey so distinctive. The new charred oak will contribute its own warmth and structure. This is a whiskey that announces itself.
The Verdict
The Immortal Rye earns a solid 7.6 out of 10 from me. It's a well-proofed craft rye that respects the grain and doesn't try to be something it isn't. The 46.5% ABV is a thoughtful choice — it tells me the distillery cares about delivering flavour rather than just hitting the cheapest bottling strength. At £62.75, it sits in competitive territory for craft American rye, and I think it holds its own. This isn't a bottle that will change your life, but it's one that rewards attention and delivers on the promise of what rye whiskey should be. If you're building a home bar and want a rye with genuine character, the Immortal belongs on the shortlist.
Best Served
This is a natural Manhattan whiskey. The 46.5% ABV means it won't get lost behind sweet vermouth, and rye's dry spice is exactly what that cocktail was designed around. Two parts Immortal Rye, one part sweet vermouth, two dashes of Angostura, stirred over ice and strained into a coupe. The rye will cut through the sweetness and keep the drink balanced. If you prefer it neat, give it five minutes in the glass to open up — whiskey at this proof benefits from a little air.
