Corsair Dark Rye is an American rye malt whiskey — 61% malted rye, 4% malted chocolate rye, and 35% malted barley with no corn — produced at Corsair Artisan Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee, where the use of fully malted grains (rather than unmalted grain as most American whiskey uses) and the addition of malted chocolate rye produces the rich chocolate, coffee, and spice character that makes it one of the most distinctive rye expressions in American craft whiskey.

The designation "rye malt whiskey" is technically significant: American rye whiskey requires 51%+ rye in the mash bill but typically uses unmalted rye. Corsair uses 100% malted grain — malting involves germinating the grain to activate enzymes, producing different fermentation compounds and flavor precursors than unmalted grain. The malted chocolate rye (4%) is the key differentiating ingredient: chocolate malt is kilned at higher temperatures after malting, producing the rich chocolate, coffee, and dark roasted notes that kilning generates, much like in craft beer production. The absence of corn (which contributes sweetness and vanilla in most bourbon and rye whiskeys) keeps the flavor profile focused on the rye and malt character without the cereal sweetness grain typically adds.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich chocolate and coffee from the malted chocolate rye, with rye spice and toasted grain complexity — no corn sweetness
• Palate: Chocolate, dark espresso roast, and spice — the all-malted grain bill producing a depth unusual in American rye whiskey
• Finish: Dry and spiced with lingering dark roast character

Specs

• Distillery: Corsair Artisan Distillery, Nashville, Tennessee
• Style: American Rye Malt Whiskey
• Mash bill: 61% malted rye, 4% malted chocolate rye, 35% malted barley — no corn
• Size: 750ml

Browse all rye whiskey at Wooden Cork.