J.K. Williams Stormy River Rye Whiskey
J.K. Williams Stormy River Rye Whiskey is a 90-proof (45% ABV) rye whiskey aged 4 years in Peoria, Illinois — small-batch, from J.K. Williams Distilling, the revived Prohibition-era brand now run by Andy Faris and Stacy Shunk with distiller Jeff Murphy. Named for the nearby Illinois River, Stormy River pours the way its name sounds: rye spice up front, then apple blossom honey and dried dark fruit smoothing it out — a silver medalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This 750mL bottle is Midwest craft rye with real age on it. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 4 years — small-batch
- Origin: J.K. Williams Distilling, Peoria, Illinois
- Awards: Silver medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Named for the Illinois River
The Illinois River made Peoria a whiskey town — grain in, whiskey out — and J.K. Williams Distilling claims the mantle of "Peoria's oldest continuously operating distillery," working from the century-old family recipe of Prohibition-era bootlegger-distiller J.K. Williams. Stormy River is their rye: four years in oak, small-batch, bottled at 90 proof. The spice is classic rye, but the apple blossom honey note is the tell — a softer, fruitier Midwest rye character that sets it apart from the pepper bombs. Find more craft rye in our rye whiskey collection or browse the J.K. Williams range.
Tasting Notes
Rye spice — cinnamon, clove — leads, followed by apple blossom honey and dried dark fruit (fig, raisin). The four years in oak round the edges; the finish is warm and gently sweet.
How to Enjoy
Neat to catch the honey-fruit arc, or in a Manhattan where the spice can stand up to sweet vermouth. A versatile 90-proof rye for the home bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stormy River a straight rye whiskey?
It's a rye whiskey aged four years in Peoria, Illinois — check the bottle for the "straight" designation.
Who owns J.K. Williams Distilling?
Andy Faris and Stacy Shunk since 2019, with Jeff Murphy as distiller; the brand was revived by J.K. Williams' great-grandsons.
What is the proof of Stormy River Rye?
90 proof (45% ABV).
Rye lovers in San Diego can order J.K. Williams Stormy River online from Del Mesa Liquor — four-year Peoria rye, shipped to your door.