2025 Day 5 - Never Say Die Rye Whiskey
- Paul Mora
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1 min read
I never want to belittle a company’s story, but it involves horses, England, Kentucky And shipping barrels back and forth. Go search them out if you are interested after you have tasted this selection. I will stick to what is in the bottle. This is considered the Brit’s take on American Bourbon.
Never Say Die has a mash bill of 56% Rye, 33% corn and 11% malted barley coming in at 105 proof.
The nose begins with cinnamon roll, orange zest, pepper and vanilla. The pallet offers more of the orange zest, mint that finishes with breakfast cereal and baking spice.
This may all sound messy, but collectively, it all works to create a very memorable sip.
We hope you agree.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
I agree with everyone else: the orange zest comes through loud and clear and I'm here for it! And the backstory on this whiskey's namesake is also one that's as memorable as it is something to be proud of. I mean, can we now say that the Beatles owe a debt of gratitude to an American derby horse? As much of a Tarantinoin Elvis Man that I am, I can appreciate the Beatles a little more while I sip this rye. Again and again.
GOONIES....Never Say Rye!! (note-to-self: that's an amazing T-Shirt idea). Ok, with the mandatory GenX reference out of the way, let's focus on the caramel brown pour before me. The aroma was inviting and first sip produced very a light sweetness that gave way to spice. Both Rachel and I really enjoyed this one! Given the over-100 proof, we were both surprised how well it finished with minimal heat. The story behind the distillery has elevated my bar trivia knowledge +3. To think, if John Bell III had been a gin drinker, the world may never have known the Beatles. Whoa (in my best Keanu Reeve voice).
I'm hesitant to say the Brits nailed their interpretation of American Whiskey, but hey -…
We are both fans here. I do get the orange zest it’s almost like orange oil. So smooth for105 proof. I am officially getting on the rye train - choo-choo!
My palate is probably off but in addition to the orange zest and vanilla I'm getting a late fleeting hint of an earth or mineral note. Like smoke or ash. Perhaps as a result of the higher proof. I like that counterpoint. Very good rye, even though I prefer the Blue Run.
Mmmm, I love the vanilla and baked goods this one gives. And the pepper is great! Love the heat. This one is a nice slow sipper.