This weeks review is new release, Breckenridge Blended Rye Whiskey This is a non-age-stated blended rye. Let’s see how well this rye stands up.
This review was done by myself and two other WBSE members. We feel that this gives the reader a broader view of the whiskey’s profile. We will be reviewing two other expressions from Breckenridge over the next few weeks. So, stay tuned.
Some basic information about the distillery:
- Breckenridge Distillery is the World’s Highest Distillery, founded in 2008 by Bryan Nolt at 9,600 feet above sea level in Breckenridge, Colorado. Nestled between the peaks of the Continental Divide, the distillery produces award-winning spirits shaped by the unique mineral characteristics of Rocky Mountain water, a natural resource that contributes to the signature mouthfeel, balance, and finish found across every expression.
- Defined by extreme-elevation aging that can’t be replicated anywhere else, the portfolio spans bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and a non-alcoholic line.
- The high elevation doesn’t just impact the aging process, but the entire ethos of the distillery. Breckenridge is synonymous with the mountain lifestyle, celebrating the ritual of rewarding yourself after any effort — on the slope, in the office, or at the beach — and invites consumers to bring the spirit of the Rockies wherever they go.
- One of the most awarded craft distilleries in the U.S.: World’s Best Finished Bourbon, 10x Best American Blended Whiskey, 6x Colorado Distillery of the Year
- A real working distillery to visit: tour the active production facility or blend your own whiskey in the Founder’s Lab, or dine in at their seasonal and locally driven restaurant.
- Of special note: the distillery recently launched this new Rye Whiskey. Distilled at altitude.
Breckenridge Blended Rye Whiskey
Class: Blended Rye Whiskey
MSRP: $35-$40
Notes:
NAS
Nose: 90/100
Pleasant oak, followed by dried fruits and cereal notes
Palate: 93/100
Light mildly sweet mouthfeel with stone fruits, brown sugar and hints of mandarin orange and cocoa.
Finish: 96/100
A long finish of stone fruits, a hint of citrus, cocoa and Rye spice
Overall: 93/100
Recommendation: A very pleasant Rye and worth buying a bottle, or 2 at this price point.
About Breckenridge Distillery
(From the distillery) Founded in Colorado in 2008, Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery,” and is best known for its award-winning blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. One of the most highly awarded distilleries in the U.S., the Breckenridge Distillery is proudly a 3x Icons of Whisky and 10x winner of Best American Blended at the World Whiskies Awards by Whisky Magazine and a 6x winner of Colorado Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition. Most recently, Breckenridge Port Cask Finish was named World’s Best Finished Bourbon at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, joining Breckenridge High Proof, named World’s Best Blended Whiskey, and Breckenridge Gin, named World’s Best Compound Gin at the World Gin Awards by Gin Magazine. Breckenridge spirits have been awarded 7 Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Breckenridge Distillery is more than award-winning spirits, offering an immersive guest experience. Named one of the country’s Top Visitor Attractions by Whisky Magazine, guests can dine at the award-winning restaurant, enjoy show-stopping cocktails, explore an in-depth tasting, and get an inside look at the active production facility—including the opportunity to blend their own whiskey. Breckenridge Distillery is a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY and TSX: TLRY), a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life. To learn more about Breckenridge Distillery, visit www.breckenridgedistillery.com. Keep up with Breckenridge Distillery on Instagram by following @breckdistillery and become a fan at facebook.com/BreckDistillery. For more information about Tilray Brands, visit www.tilray.com and follow @tilray on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Bill Varnell is the Publisher of Whiskey Network® and is the curator of WBSE’s Rickhouse
