High Plains Rye Whiskey
High Plains Rye Whiskey is a 97-proof (48.5% ABV) rye whiskey from J.W. Rutledge Distillery — the blending project of Jim Rutledge, the legendary former Four Roses master distiller with 40-plus years at Seagram and Four Roses. Rather than one house style, Rutledge built a survey of the entire American idea of rye: five straight rye whiskeys from four states — Kentucky Artisan, Middle West in Ohio, MGP in Indiana, and New York Distilling — each with its own mash bill (from 51% to 100% rye) and yeast strain, every component at least four years old. This 750mL bottle is the 2021 release that earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 48.5% (97 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: Five straight ryes, each ≥4 years old, from KY, OH, IN, and NY distilleries
- Mash bills: 51%–100% rye across components, each with its own yeast strain
- Origin: Blended by J.W. Rutledge Distillery — Jim Rutledge, ex–Four Roses master distiller
- Rating: 93 points, Wine Enthusiast
A Master Distiller's Survey of American Rye
After retiring from Four Roses, Jim Rutledge didn't build a distillery in the usual sense — he built a blending house, and High Plains Rye is its thesis statement: that American rye isn't one flavor but a spectrum. The Kentucky component brings classic spice, the MGP brings the high-rye punch, the New York distillate brings craft character — and at 97 proof they arrive as one cohesive whiskey. Wine Enthusiast found cayenne and clove sizzle rounding into vanilla and caramel, with mocha, oatmeal cookie, and pecan pie opening up with water. Line it up against single-distillery ryes in our rye whiskey collection or browse the High Plains range.
Tasting Notes
Nose: a "bag of rye bread" (K&L's David Driscoll) — baking spices, toasted oak, rye grain. Palate: allspice, nutmeg, white pepper, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butterscotch over persimmon and soft vanilla bean. Finish: gentle and dry, with cloves, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
How to Enjoy
Neat first, then with a few drops of water — the 97 proof opens beautifully and the mocha-oatmeal-cookie notes emerge. It's also a genuinely great Manhattan rye: the multi-state spice blend stands up to vermouth and bitters without getting lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is behind High Plains Rye Whiskey?
Jim Rutledge, the former Four Roses master distiller (40+ years), through his J.W. Rutledge Distillery. High Plains Rye was his 2021 multi-state blending statement after Cream of Kentucky Bourbon.
How old is High Plains Rye?
There's no age statement on the bottle, but every one of the five component straight ryes is at least four years old.
What does "survey of American rye" mean?
Rutledge blended five ryes from four states — each a different mash bill and yeast — to showcase the breadth of American rye styles in a single 97-proof bottle.
Rye fans: order High Plains Rye Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor — 750mL of a master distiller's blending thesis, San Diego, CA.