Military Rye Review: Bear Creek Rye Chocolate Stout Finished

Official Product Website

History – Nestled in the vibrant heart of Denver, Colorado, Bear Creek Distillery is a standout in the world of craft spirits. This exceptional distillery, born from the vision of a small group of friends, is all about producing top-notch, handcrafted premium spirits. What sets Bear Creek apart is their grain-to-bottle approach, with every spirit crafted in-house using a state-of-the-art Kothe still from Germany.

Bear Creek Distillery’s dedication to quality is impressive. They prioritize using local ingredients and materials from Colorado, ensuring that each small batch reflects the finest local flavors. This commitment to detail and the community truly shines through in every bottle.

Their award-winning lineup is diverse and enticing. From their flagship Straight Bourbon and Wheated Bourbon to Rye Whiskey, Wheat Whiskey, White Whiskey, Cask Strength Rum, Silver Rum, Spiced Rum, and a trio of 100% Rye, Wheat, and Corn Vodkas, there’s something for every palate. Plus, a few times a year, they release special limited-edition batches with unique finishing techniques and grain combinations, keeping things exciting. This is one of them! This bottle is  in partnership with New Image Brewing and is a secondary finishing in a chocolate stout barrel.

A particular highlight for me is the BCD Rye Whiskey. Distilled one batch at a time from 100% organic dark rye and aged in new American White Oak 30-gallon barrels, each batch is distinct, down-proofed to 90 proof, and crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Appearance – The appearance is great and I love their logo. It looks like a bear and resembles a rose all at the same time. The bottle is a standard medicine bottle shape that is classic and nice to look at.

Nose – The nose is pleasantly inviting, offering a delicate balance of aromas. You’ll detect delightful notes of milk chocolate, prunes, dried tobacco, and almonds, each contributing to a harmonious bouquet.

Palate – The palate is intriguingly complex. Initially perplexing, it reveals its depth upon the second sip, showcasing a dry profile with hints of port wine, walnut, and a subtle smokiness that never overpowers.

Finish – The finish is smooth and lingering, with a touch of sourness and youthful corn, complemented by a hint of light vanilla. The cooling sensation on the tongue is pleasant, a gentle reminder of the whiskey’s presence, encouraging you to savor every sip.

Value – I feel that the value is not quite to what the product is putting out. I feel that it should be priced around the $50 range for a product that is finished and craft but only has 2 years of aging on it.

Summary – In summary, Bear Creek Distillery, located in the vibrant heart of Denver, Colorado, stands out in the craft spirits world. Born from the vision of a close-knit group of friends, this distillery excels in producing top-notch, handcrafted premium spirits. Their grain-to-bottle approach, using a state-of-the-art Kothe still from Germany, sets them apart, ensuring each spirit is crafted with unparalleled quality.

Their dedication to quality shines through in every bottle, with a commitment to using local ingredients and materials from Colorado. Their award-winning lineup offers something for every palate, from their flagship bourbons and rums to their diverse vodkas. Special limited-edition batches, like this one in partnership with New Image Brewing and finished in a chocolate stout barrel, add an exciting twist.

A standout in their lineup is the BCD Rye Whiskey, crafted from 100% organic dark rye and aged in 30-gallon American White Oak barrels. Each batch is distinct, down-proofed to 90 proof, and made with meticulous care.

The appearance of the bottle, with its classic medicine bottle shape and unique logo, is visually appealing. The nose is inviting, with balanced aromas of milk chocolate, prunes, dried tobacco, and almonds. The palate is complex and intriguing, revealing its depth with notes of port wine, walnut, and subtle smokiness. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a touch of sourness, youthful corn, and light vanilla, providing a pleasant cooling sensation.

However, in terms of value, the price point might be slightly high for a craft product with only two years of aging. Ideally, it should be priced around $50, considering its craftsmanship and finishing.While the price might be a touch high for the age, the quality and unique flavor profiles more than justify the investment.

“Bear Creek Distillery exemplifies the pinnacle of craft distillation, combining local ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative techniques to create exceptional spirits.”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 10

Appearance- 1-10 – 10

Nose- 1-20 – 14

Palate- 1-20 – 9

Finish- 1-20 – 10

Value- 1-20 – 10