Distillery: Sonoma Brothers Distillery
Proof: 86
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 90% Rye, Unknown % of wheat and specialty malted barley
BACKGROUND: Sonoma Brothers is a distillery in Sonoma County, CA. They’re 2 brothers, Chris, a firefighter, and Brandon, a police officer. They launched their distillery in 2012 after going to Michigan State to learn the art and science of distillation and blending. Sonoma Brothers uses all CA grown grain using local farmers which produces a unique flavor to Sonoma CA. They’re passionate about community service and running a small family business. They’re available in CO, NE, WI, IL, CT, DE, FL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, and CA!
NOSE: Sheesh, this is nice! You are greeted by some delicious scents of rich butterscotch, baking spices, aged oak, leather, sweet cherries and citrus fruit. The nose is well balanced, rich, bold and complex which was unexpected given the proof. (23/25)
PALATE: As soon as the whiskey touches your lips you are greeted by oak, caramel, rye spice, caramel, and more citrus fruit. There is no burn but the rye spice perfectly tingles your tongue. As was the nose, the palate drinks more like a 100 proof whiskey and has a nice delicate balance and smoothness. (33/40)
FINISH: The finish is on the dry side but is loaded with rye spice, oak, cracked pepper, and smokey leather. It is quite long and chewy as well leaving you craving another sip. (21/25)
VALUE: Spirit Works Straight Rye whiskey carries a $45 SRP which is an excellent value. This is an excellent and delicious rye whiskey. (9/10)
Overall: 86/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Sonoma Brothers Distilling makes some delicious whiskey and this rye is just another example. It is loaded with flavors that burst in your mouth while not being too over the top with spice. Even though this whiskey is only 86 proof it drinks much higher and drinks like a 7 - 10 year old whiskey. I would highly recommend this whiskey to anyone who likes rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey as it is the perfect marriage of sweet and spicy.
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Willett Family Estate 4 Year Rye
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Whistle Pig 10 Year Rye
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away
