Bhakta 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey

Bhakta 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey is one of the most unusual and conversation-worthy whiskies on the market today. Rather than presenting a traditional rye, it blends bold American rye whiskey with rare French brandies—including Armagnac distilled in the legendary 1928 vintage. The result is a whisky that combines classic rye spice with deep layers of orchard fruit, caramelized sugar, and old-world brandy richness. It’s a fascinating hybrid spirit designed for curious whiskey drinkers who appreciate both American whiskey tradition and the complexity of aged European brandies.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Bhakta 1928 is produced by Bhakta Spirits, founded by entrepreneur Raj Peter Bhakta, whose concept centers on blending American whiskey with rare vintage spirits from France.

The blend is intentionally unconventional. The core components include:

• 60% Straight Rye Whiskey distilled in 2018
• 30% XO Calvados (apple brandy from Normandy)
• 10% vintage Armagnac, including a remarkable 1928 vintage, along with additional Armagnac vintages such as 1941, 1962, 1973, and 1996.

This structure creates a spirit that bridges American whiskey and European brandy traditions. The rye whiskey brings spice and structure, while the Calvados introduces fresh apple character and the vintage Armagnac contributes deep, aged complexity.

The rye portion is typically double-cask finished in virgin French oak, enhancing spice and toasted wood character before blending.

The bottle itself celebrates the Roaring Twenties era, referencing the year 1928—the vintage of some of the Armagnac used in the blend.

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published professional critic scores available.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Apple pie filling, caramelized sugar, toasted oak, and warm baking spice with subtle brandy richness.

Palate
Rye spice balanced by orchard fruit, caramel apple, pear tart, and soft vanilla sweetness.

Finish
Silky and warming with lingering fruit, gentle spice, and mature brandy complexity.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

100-Year Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bhakta 1928 Rye
• ¼ oz demerara syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Lemon twist
• Orange twist

Preparation

1. Add syrup and bitters to a rocks glass and stir.
2. Add a large ice cube and pour in Bhakta 1928.
3. Stir briefly and garnish with lemon and orange twists.

Apple & Rye Boulevardier

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Bhakta 1928 Rye
• ¾ oz sweet vermouth
• ¾ oz Campari
• Orange peel

Preparation

1. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
4. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.