Masterson's French Oak 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey
Masterson's French Oak 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey is a 750mL rye bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), made from a 100% rye mash bill distilled in pot stills at Alberta Distillers in Alberta, Canada. It ages 10 years in new charred American oak, then finishes in French oak barrels before bottling in Sonoma, California — a Canadian rye, named for Canadian-born Old West lawman William "Bat" Masterson. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 10 years in American oak, plus a French oak finish
- Origin: Distilled at Alberta Distillers, Alberta, Canada; bottled in Sonoma, California
- Mash bill: 100% rye
- Distillation: Pot stills
Bat Masterson's Rye, Finished in French Oak
The name honours William "Bat" Masterson — born in Quebec, raised on the American frontier, and variously a buffalo hunter, Dodge City lawman, gambler and New York sportswriter. The whiskey follows his cross-border life in reverse: rye grown in the Pacific Northwest, distilled in Alberta — one of the world's great rye addresses — rested a full decade in American oak, and then given a final rest in French oak barrels, whose tighter grain layers wine-like tannin and dried fruit over the rye's spice. Finishing periods vary barrel to barrel, so each small release leans a little differently. Find more from the house on the Masterson's vendor page and in our whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Per Whisky Advocate's review of the French Oak finish: fruity dried dates and figs, peach and plum, and a hint of black liquorice, with clove and ginger, tobacco, and firm, wine-like tannins from the French oak. WhiskyCast's notes for the finish add warm toasted oak, raisin and honey on the nose, and a lingering honey-and-clove finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a few drops of water — the French oak tannin frames the rye spice rather than covering it — and a serious base for a Manhattan. More ryes and finished whiskies are in our whisky collection and across our spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Masterson's rye actually made?
Canada. The 100% rye is distilled at Alberta Distillers in Alberta and bottled in Sonoma, California — despite older listings that tied the brand to other states, the bottle is a product of Canada.
How long is Masterson's French Oak finished?
The producer states no fixed period; reviewers note it varies by barrel, from about a month to several months. The firm number on the bottle is the 10 years in American oak before the finish.
What is the mash bill?
100% rye — no corn, wheat or barley — fermented and pot-distilled, which is why the spice runs through every note the French oak adds.
A decade of Canadian rye with a French accent — order Masterson's French Oak 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.