By Gary Carter, The Whiskey Wash

Virginia whiskey maker KO Distilling just released two new additions to its portfolio of American whiskeys, their Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey and Bare Knuckle High Rye Bourbon.
​
American rye whiskey in general is seemingly having a renaissance, with more than 1.26 million 9-liter cases in annual depletions last year. This is something KO is looking to get in on more.

KO’s Distiller’s Reserve Straight Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey is made from 100 percent local Virginia rye, distilled in one season and aged for four years in charred new American Oak barrels.

The result is KO Distilling’s second Bottled-in-Bond expression, a sequel to KO’s Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, released in 2020. That spirit garnered KO a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Their new Bare Knuckle High Rye Bourbon is made from 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Wheat and was sourced from Indiana six years ago, when KO Distilling was founded.

At that time, it was put into charred new American Oak barrels and has been aging in KO’s Manassas, Virginia, warehouse.

In keeping with the Bare Knuckle brand, which honors historic fighting figures, the six year old Bare Knuckle High Rye Bourbon bottle features International Boxing Hall of Famer Joe “Old Master” Gans – the first 20th century African-American World Boxing Champion and the World Lightweight Champion from 1902–1908. It will be offered in both single barrel and cask strengths.
​
“At KO Distilling, we take great pride in crafting spirits that reflect the perseverance that makes this country great,” said Co-Founder and CEO Bill Karlson in a prepared statement. “Every bottle is a result of our careful approach to distilling, which combines state-of-the-art equipment with the skills of our production team to produce the best of American spirits.  We’re thrilled to raise a glass and welcome these two new additions to our portfolio.”

For the rest of the story on The Whiskey Wash, CLICK HERE

KO Distilling will be releasing their brand new Distiller's Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey next week at their 6th Anniversary Event, Sept 10-12th. Should make for a tasty way to celebrate!
​