Orphan Barrel Makes 1st Rye Offering

Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. (Diageo) introduces its first Rye release.  The release is Master Blender Samantha Johnson's inaugural blend, Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade.

Distilled in Indiana, aged for 14 years to perfection in Kentucky and bottled in Tennessee, this born traveler is Orphan Barrel’s latest addition to its collection of premium whiskies.

With a story almost as daring as the liquid itself, Scarlet Shade crossed state lines from Indiana into Kentucky to age in new barrels of white oak for 14 years, ruminating on its forebears’ pre-Prohibition glory days.

The label design pays homage to the history of Scarlet Shade. In the center, the cardinal – state bird of Indiana and Kentucky – is surrounded by Indiana's state flower, the peony, and perched on a skull to honor lost loved ones.

The extremely rare offering is heralded by sweet vanilla buttercream and lightly toasted oak aroma with the taste of warm baking spices, rye toast and orchard fruits, before warming into sweet orange marmalade and lingering as a dark chocolate finish. At 90 proof (45%), Rye fans can best enjoy Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade neat or on the rocks.