Whiskey Shots: A Review of Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey

A Bottle of Whiskey alongside a whiskey tasting glass.

In the summer of 2006, Bill Nelson took his sons, Andy and Charlie, to visit a butcher in Greenbrier, Tennessee, where they reminisced about their family's whiskey business. Excited by their discoveries, the butcher revealed the historical significance of the area, including a warehouse built by their grandfather and a pure spring nearby. They then visited the Greenbrier Historical Society, where they encountered two original bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey. This moment inspired Charlie and Andy to revive the family business, which had closed a century earlier during Prohibition. After three years of dedication and hard work, they successfully re-launched Nelson’s Green Brier Whiskey, creating a product celebrated by whiskey enthusiasts.

Today, I taste their Straight Rye Whiskey. Is it a testament to their dedication to quality and flavor? Let’s see!

🥃 92.5 Proof

🥃 Age: Non-Age Stated

🥃 Distilled in Kentucky by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

🥃 Mash Bill: 64% Rye, 30% Corn, 6% Malted Barley

🥃 750 ml bottle purchased locally at Total Wine for just $32.99

🥃 Tasted from a Copita whisky tasting glass

Appearance

In the glass, Nelson Brothers Straight Rye presents a light golden hue that catches the light beautifully, clinging to the sides impressively.

Nose

The aroma is inviting, hinting at sweetness. You can expect to detect notes of honey and anise, accompanied by light caramel and clove. There are subtle hints of dill and black pepper that add an intriguing depth to the scent.

Palate

Upon tasting, the whiskey presents a syrupy mouthfeel and the anise stands out prominently, offering a pleasant strength. This is soon followed by a wave of caramel sweetness that complements the initial flavors. The finish brings in the dill and black pepper, creating a well-rounded profile.

Finish

The finish is medium long, with the dill and black pepper notes lingering well after the other flavors have faded, making for a satisfying end to the tasting experience.

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Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey is a delightful offering at a reasonable price point. While it could benefit from a touch more proof, it remains an enjoyable sip. I would rate it 4.3 out of 5 ⭐️s.

Keep Sippin’ my friends!🥃