Review: Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof Rye

Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Wheel Horse Whiskey entered the market in 2019 as a non-distilling producer devoted to American whiskey. From day one, the label has been candid about sourcing its bourbon and rye from Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky. For many whiskey fans, Wheel Horse’s 4-year-old, 101-proof releases offered their earliest opportunity to taste Owensboro distillate with meaningful maturity and vigor — before Green River began issuing bottles with comparable age and strength under its own name.

As an Owensboro resident, I had the unusual experience of purchasing a cask strength single barrel Wheel Horse bourbon — distilled only a short drive from my home — before Green River debuted its own 90 proof expression and well before cask strength offerings. To savor my hometown whiskey at full tilt, I had to look to a producer based Rhode Island.

In fall 2025, Wheel Horse finds itself in a similar position, this time with rye. Green River introduced its house-labeled rye at 95 proof in January 2024, and while that bottling earned praise, many enthusiasts hoped for something with more muscle. Under Barrel Master Stephen Corrigan, Wheel Horse answered that call with Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye.

Batch RP-001 merges nine barrels of Owensboro-distilled rye, yielding a hearty 120.4-proof blend — well above Green River’s 95 proof offering. The mashbill leans heavily into rye grain at 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Distilled on a Vendome column still, the spirit entered Speyside Cooperage barrels at 120 proof, each charred to a #4 level. The youngest barrel matured for 5 years, 7 months, the oldest just shy of 6 years, creating an average age of nearly 5 years, 9 months — with most barrels resting for 5 years, 10 months. Although the whiskey is unmistakably Kentuckian in origin, its final stretch of maturation — roughly six months — took place in Providence, giving the Rhode Island team its imprint on the final profile.

The art of blending sits at the heart of this release. The whiskey itself was distilled during Jacob Call’s tenure at Green River; Aaron Harris now oversees distillation there. But in Providence, it’s Corrigan who decides what ultimately reaches the bottle. If Call, Harris, and Corrigan were each handed the same warehouse of barrels and asked to choose nine for a personal blend, the results would differ dramatically. Shared DNA, yes — but every small-batch selection develops its own personality. Corrigan’s choices for this release were intentional: nine barrels singled out from a larger pool for their individual character, ultimately producing 1,800 bottles.

For many drinkers, this marks the first opportunity to experience Owensboro-distilled rye with meaningful age, bottled at full cask strength. But the excitement isn’t only about proof. Corrigan has earned a reputation for quality blends — so his stewardship is a major part of the story.

Does his skill continue to shine in Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof Rye? Let’s explore.

Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof Rye Review

The aroma presents a rush of orchard and tropical fruit, led by the scent of grilled peaches rising from the glass and accompanied by a drizzle of thin caramel sauce. Candied pineapple and a dash of cool spearmint round out the bouquet, giving the nose a fruit-forward identity separating from more traditional rye. Rather than relying on the dry spice profile traditionally linked to the category, Wheel Horse goes after a brighter register.

The first sip introduces clover honey and fennel, creating a nice entry point. Moving across the palate, grapefruit zest and spicy clove take shape, supported by a moderately viscous mouthfeel.

The finish begins with a flare of white pepper that swiftly transitions to Bazooka bubblegum. As the final moments develop, lemongrass and green tea contribute a really nice close. From introduction to conclusion, this rye stands out through its fruit-centric character and its ability to maintain interest without leaning on conventional rye profiles.

For decades, the American rye market offered only a narrow number of expressions, many echoing the same stylistic template. The whiskey world in 2025 is remarkably different, and Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof Rye stands out as a great example of that expansion. Its bottling strength feels perfect, its price — $43 — highly attractive for the quality on display. With just 1,800 bottles released, it represents one 2025’s most noteworthy rye offerings, worthy of mention alongside the Iowa-distilled Templeton Single Barrel Rye as one of the best rye new rye whiskey releases at $50 or less.

If you encounter one of the limited bottles in the wild, don’t pass it up.

120.4 proof

A- / $43

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