Traverse City Whiskey Co. North Coast Rye
Traverse City Whiskey Co. North Coast Rye is a straight rye whiskey from Michigan's cherry coast — 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL, a blend of 100%-rye and 95%-rye whiskeys aged a minimum of three years in new charred oak, and a Double Gold winner at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Mash: Blend of 100% rye and 95% rye / 5% malted barley whiskeys
- Aging: Minimum 3 years in new charred American oak
- Award: Double Gold, 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (brand release)
- Origin: Traverse City, Michigan (Traverse City Whiskey Co.)
Rye Spice from the North Coast
Traverse City Whiskey Co. named this one for the coast it comes from — the Grand Traverse Bay shoreline, where the Fredrickson family's farming history turned into one of the Midwest's benchmark craft still houses. The North Coast is a rye drinker's rye: two high-rye whiskeys — one all-rye, one 95% rye with a touch of malted barley — barreled near 120 proof and given at least three years of Michigan seasons in new charred oak. The 2021 Double Gold suggests the judges found the same balance. Find it at the spicier end of our rye whiskey shelf, or browse the house on the Traverse City Whiskey Co. vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Soft vanilla over rye spice (producer notes). Palate: Caraway and honey with warm nutmeg. Finish: Bright citrus zest over lingering grain spice.
How to Enjoy
Built for a Manhattan — high-rye whiskey is the classic specification, and the honey-and-citrus finish plays straight into sweet vermouth and bitters. Neat, it is the driest, spiciest pour in the Traverse City range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Coast Rye made from? A blend of two rye whiskeys — one distilled from 100% rye, the other from 95% rye and 5% malted barley — so the profile is rye-led end to end.
How does it compare to Traverse City's bourbons? Drier and spicier: where the XXX leads with corn sweetness, the North Coast leads with caraway, nutmeg and citrus over a leaner frame.
What cocktails suit it? The Manhattan is the home fixture; it also makes a properly spicy Old Fashioned and a Sazerac with real grain character at 90 proof.
Michigan rye, Double Gold pedigree — order Traverse City North Coast Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.