Cream of Kentucky Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey
Cream of Kentucky Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey is a 100 proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight rye whiskey in a 750mL bottle — aged six years and bottled in bond under the eye of Jim Rutledge, the former Four Roses Master Distiller, from a mash of 100% estate-grown Rymin rye. Distilled, aged and bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, it is available to order online now at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Proof / ABV: 100 proof / 50% ABV — bottled in bond
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 6 years; single distilling season, one distillery (BIB Act of 1897)
- Origin: Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Crestwood, Kentucky — J.W. Rutledge / Jim Rutledge
- Mash bill: 100% estate-grown Rymin rye; limited to 70 barrels
Jim Rutledge's Bonded Rye, From a Nearly Forgotten Grain
Cream of Kentucky was a giant of American whiskey a century ago; Jim Rutledge — the man who helped resurrect Four Roses — brought it back in 2018, and this bottled-in-bond rye is his statement release. It is mashed entirely from Rymin rye, a rare heritage grain grown on the distillery's own estate, then distilled, aged and bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood. Bottled in bond means the strict 1897 standard: one distiller, one distillery, one distilling season, at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, exactly 100 proof. This one goes further — six years in oak, drawn from just 70 barrels — delivering classic rye spice (spearmint, black pepper, cinnamon) wrapped in a creamy, almost velvety body. Explore more rye whiskey or the Cream of Kentucky range at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Spearmint and fresh rye bread up front, then cinnamon, brown sugar, black pepper and light fruit — raisins and plum — with a whisper of pipe tobacco.
Palate: Full-bodied and creamy — rye spice (cinnamon, black pepper, anise, ginger) balanced by brown sugar, caramel, orange zest and hints of milk chocolate and roasted hazelnut.
Finish: Warm and mellow, with allspice and lingering rye spice — the 100 proof delivers presence without harshness.
How to Enjoy
Neat or on a single large cube to appreciate the bonded proof and creamy texture. It also makes an outstanding Manhattan or Old Fashioned — the spice and sweetness were built for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "bottled in bond" mean?
A federal standard from the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897: distilled in one season by one distiller at one distillery, aged at least four years in a bonded warehouse, bottled at exactly 100 proof.
How old is Cream of Kentucky Bottled in Bond Rye?
Six years old — two years beyond the bottled-in-bond minimum.
Who makes Cream of Kentucky?
The J.W. Rutledge brand, led by Jim Rutledge, former Master Distiller of Four Roses; distilled, aged and bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, Kentucky.
What is Rymin rye?
A rare heritage rye grain, estate-grown for this whiskey — 100% of the mash bill.
A bonded rye from a bourbon legend, built on a grain almost nobody else uses — order Cream of Kentucky Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.