Unbendt Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Review

Unbendt Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Review

Distilled by Bendt Distilling in Lewisville, TX

Bendt Distilling was founded in 2012

Released in September 2023

MSRP: ~$60

Bottling proof: 100°

Proof off the still: 150°

Barrel entry proof: 120°

Age: at least 5.5 years

Fermentation: 3 days

Mashbill: Elbon rye, Triticale, Naked Streaker oats, & Marris Otter malted barley

Triticale is a wheat-rye hybrid grain

Barrel size: 53 gallons

Char level: No. 3.5

Barrel manufacturer: East Bernstadt Cooperage (EBC)

Color 👁️: Orange-ish

Nose 👃: Spearmint.  Dark stone fruits. Rye spice.  Caramel.

Palate 👅:  Caramel.  Rye spice. Black pepper. Baking spices. Dark stone fruits. Highly viscous.

Finish 🏁: Dark stone fruits.  Rye spice. Baking spices. Long in length.

Overall thoughts?  I’ve now tried every expression from Bendt Distilling… and they’ve all been highly enjoyable.  Bendt deserves the same attention as the other top Texas distilleries.  You’re going to love this rye!  It tastes great, but it’s also unique in that it’s a 4-grain with the rare triticale.  I’d say this is the best Texas rye I’ve had yet.  Going outside of Texas, it’s likely one of the five best ryes I’ve had in 2023.  It’s good… very good.