FEW Rye Whiskey Illinois 750ML

FEW Rye Whiskey is a straight rye whiskey crafted at FEW Spirits distillery in Evanston, Illinois — a city historically tied to the Temperance movement. The distillery was founded by Paul Hletko, who successfully lobbied to overturn long-standing local prohibition laws. In a nod to irony, the brand name FEW are the initials of Frances Elizabeth Willard, the 19th-century leader of the Chicago Christian Temperance Union who helped bring about Prohibition. The whiskey is bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV) and sold in 750ML bottles.

The mash bill is composed of 70% rye, 20% corn, and 10% malted barley, aged in air-dried oak barrels. The nose presents rye bread, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, butterscotch, citrus zest, and a hint of pepper. On the palate, expect buttery rye, raw grain, fruit, honey, baking spices, and light wood notes. The finish is long and slow with a lingering pepper warmth. FEW Rye won Whisky Advocate's Craft Whiskey of the Year in 2013.