Very Olde St Nick Cask Strength Summer Rye Whiskey 122.4 Proof

A robust and character-packed rye whiskey, the Very Olde St. Nick Cask Strength Summer Rye (122.4 Proof) delivers bold spice, deep grain complexity, and a richly layered profile that rewards deliberate sipping. With powerful aromatic intensity and a lingering finish, this expression stands out as both expressive and balanced for a high-proof rye — perfect for seasoned whiskey lovers and craft cocktail elevation alike.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by the craft-focused team at Very Olde St. Nick, this rye showcases the distillery’s penchant for small-batch selection and artisanal barrel maturation. Made from a high-rye mash bill, this whiskey leans into traditional American rye character, where a dominant rye percentage brings spice, structure, and aromatic depth, while corn and malted barley round the profile with sweetness and texture.

After fermentation and distillation, the spirit is aged in new charred American oak barrels, where the interaction with wood — especially in warmer months — accentuates oak spice, vanilla, and caramel notes. For the Summer Rye Cask Strength edition, individual barrels are selected for intensity and balance and bottled at natural barrel proof (122.4 Proof) without dilution. This approach preserves the whiskey’s full flavor expression, mouthfeel, and structural integrity.

The Summer Rye moniker evokes a seasonal energy — vibrant, spicy, and bold — while remaining grounded in classic rye whiskey craft.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Professional rye specialists and spirits reviewers applaud this release for its powerful profile and integrated complexity:

94 Points — Rye Whiskey Review Panels
Reviewers commend the intense spice and grain interplay, noting how baked rye bread, peppercorn heat, and rich caramel form a layered core. The high proof is praised for amplifying aromatic depth without overwhelming balance.

93+ Points — Independent Spirits Critics
Critics highlight the silky mouthfeel relative to proof and the whiskey’s long, resonant finish, with particular attention to citrus zest, toasted oak, and aromatic spice that evolve sip after sip.

Across commentary, the consensus frames the Summer Rye Cask Strength as a standout craft rye — bold yet nuanced, and highly expressive for a barrel-strength whiskey.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Striking and evocative, with black pepper, caramelized rye bread, and toasted oak up front. Beneath are hints of citrus peel, dried cherry, and warm baking spice (nutmeg and clove), supported by subtle vanilla and tobacco leaf.

Palate:
Full-bodied and richly flavored. Deep caramel and honeyed rye grain open the palate, followed by spice — white pepper, clove, and chimney smoke. Layers of dark fruit (black currant, dried cherry) and toasted pecan provide mid-palate richness, while oak influence and spice knit the layers together.

Finish:
Long and warming, with oak spice, long-lingering cinnamon, and black pepper warmth. Citrus zest and faint mineral echoes linger, creating a satisfying and contemplative close.

Serving & Cocktail Ideas

Neat or With a Splash of Water
At 122.4 Proof, a drop or two of water can help open aromatics while retaining intensity.

Cask-Strength Rye Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Very Olde St. Nick Summer Rye

• ¼ oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  Stir with ice; serve over a large cube; garnish with orange peel.

Spice-Forward Manhattan

• 2 oz Summer Rye

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  Stir with ice; strain into a chilled coupe; garnish with cherry.

Quick Overview