Devils River Rye Whiskey
Devils River Rye Whiskey is a 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL Texas rye whiskey, released in fall 2018. Per the producer's launch release, it is distilled in traditional copper pot stills from a mash of 51% rye, 45% corn and 4% malted barley, aged in dark #4 charred oak barrels, proofed with limestone-filtered Devils River water and finished with the brand's proprietary chill filtration. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: No age statement
- Mash bill: 51% rye, 45% corn, 4% malted barley (producer launch release)
- Casks: Dark #4 charred oak barrels
- Origin: Texas — Devils River Whiskey, released 2018
The Rye Side of the River
Devils River followed its 2017 bourbon with this rye a year later, built in the same house style — copper pot stills, deeply charred oak and that limestone-filtered river water — but on a rye-led mash. At 51% rye with a large corn share behind it, it drinks rounder and sweeter than a 95% rye, with the spice up front and vanilla and fruit underneath: a Texas take on rye rather than a Pennsylvania-style spice bomb. Compare it with the rest of our rye whiskey shelf, browse the wider whisky range, or visit the Devils River vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Spicy rye, pepper and oak balanced by caramel, brown sugar and orange zest, per the producer. Palate: Spice-forward, with maple, honey and plum alongside fennel and black pepper. Finish: Clean and rich — vanilla, dried apples and pepper.
How to Enjoy
The brand's own recipe material puts this rye in a Sazerac and a rye Old Fashioned, both of which suit its pepper-and-vanilla balance. It also drinks cleanly neat or over one large cube.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much rye is in the mash? 51% rye, with 45% corn and 4% malted barley, per the producer's launch release — a rye-led but corn-softened profile.
Is this the same as Devils River's 5-Year Rye? No. The 5-Year / Rye River Series rye is a separate, 100 proof ultra-premium expression made from Texas-grown grains. This is the original 90 proof rye, released in 2018 with no age statement.
What water is it proofed with? Limestone-filtered water from the Devils River in southwest Texas — the same water story as the brand's bourbons.
Texas rye, spice up front and vanilla behind it — order Devils River Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.