Stellum Rye Whiskey
Stellum Rye Whiskey is cask-strength rye with a blender's pedigree — 58.12% ABV (116.24 proof), 750mL, a straight rye from Stellum Spirits, the line created by Barrell Craft Spirits founder Joe Beatrice. It is rooted in a 95% rye Indiana mash bill, sharpened with small amounts of barley-forward rye and choice Kentucky and Tennessee barrels, blended in Louisville and bottled uncut. The name comes from the Latin stella — star — and the whiskey aims accordingly: stewed apple, pear and peach with nutmeg, clove, light mint and licorice, finishing on star anise, white pepper and honeyed jasmine green tea. Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 58.12% (116.24 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Straight rye whiskey, bottled at cask strength; no age statement
- Mash bill: Rooted in a 95% rye Indiana mash bill, plus barley-forward rye and Kentucky/Tennessee barrels
- Producer: Stellum Spirits — produced by Barrell Craft Spirits, blended in Louisville, Kentucky
- Name: From Latin stella, "star"
- Awards: Double Gold, 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
A Star Is Blended
Stellum launched in 2021 as the Barrell team's more accessible line — regular releases at friendlier prices, but with the same blending obsession that made Barrell Craft Spirits famous. The rye shows the method: Indiana's famous 95% rye as the spine, a barley-forward rye for texture, and mature southern barrels for depth, all bottled at full cask strength. It stands tall in our rye whiskey collection; the Stellum Spirits page carries the bourbon sibling blended the same way.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Stewed apple, pear and peach with nutmeg, clove, light mint and licorice. Palate: Aniseed, cardamom, coriander, lemon peel and tangerine. Finish: Star anise, white pepper and mint fading to honeyed jasmine green tea.
How to Enjoy
At 116 proof, start neat and add water a teaspoon at a time — it blooms. It also makes a powerhouse Sazerac or old pal for drinkers who like their cocktails with the volume up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Stellum" mean? It derives from the Latin stella, meaning "star" — the brand's name for its celestial-inspired blending line.
Who makes Stellum Rye? Stellum Spirits, produced by Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky — the team behind the Barrell Bourbon blends.
How strong is it? 116.24 proof (58.12% ABV), bottled at cask strength with no age statement.
Cask-strength rye named for the stars — order Stellum Rye Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.