I recently had the opportunity to try Kooper Family Rye, a small-batch whiskey from Texas. This rye is a blend of five-year-old corn-fed straight rye and three-year-old straight rye, aged slowly and married together in small batches by the Kooper family.
Table of Contents
Kooper Family Rye Whiskey Overview
Product History
Kooper Family Rye Whiskey is a blend of 3 and 5-year-old rye whiskeys. It is produced by Kooper Family Whiskey, a 100% family-owned and operated whiskey blending business located in Ledbetter, Texas. The blending house concept started out as a hobby for husband-and-wife duo Troy and Michelle Kooper in 2012.
The whiskey is sourced from undisclosed distilleries and is composed of 51% rye, 36% corn, and 13% malt. It has an alcohol content of 45% and a color rating of 0.9/2.0 on the color scale (amontillado sherry).
Price Range
Kooper Family Rye Whiskey is reasonably priced at $40 per bottle. It is a good value for a high-quality rye whiskey that offers a unique flavor profile. The dark red shade of the whiskey is visually appealing and makes it a great addition to any whiskey collection.
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
When I first opened the bottle of Kooper Family Rye Whiskey, I was greeted with a sweet aroma of honey, pineapple, and peaches. As I continued to sniff, I also detected notes of spice, seasoned oak, and herbs. Overall, the nose was deliciously rich and inviting.
Flavor
Upon taking my first sip of Kooper Family Rye Whiskey, I was pleasantly surprised by the complex and nicely balanced flavor profile. The initial taste was sweet and woody, featuring notes of oak, honey, and herbs. As I continued to sip, I also detected hints of rye spice, syrupy vanilla, and tropical fruit. The soft fruit notes from the aroma also carried over into the flavor profile. Overall, the taste was approachable and enjoyable.
Finish
The finish of Kooper Family Rye Whiskey was quite spicy and medium in length, with a syrupy mouthfeel. At the very end, there was a curious, slight numbing sensation that reminded me of Szechuan pepper. Although the finish was not particularly memorable, it was still enjoyable.
Rating
Overall, I would rate Kooper Family Rye Whiskey as a solid choice for anyone looking for a nicely balanced rye whiskey with an approachable flavor profile. While the finish may not be particularly memorable, the rich aroma and enjoyable taste make up for it. I would give Kooper Family Rye Whiskey a rating of 9 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Kooper Family Rye Whiskey, I prefer to keep it simple. The bold flavors of this whiskey can easily be overpowered by overly sweet or complex mixers. Stick to classic mixers like soda water, ginger ale, or cola to let the flavors of the rye shine through.
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Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking to mix up a cocktail with Kooper Family Rye, I suggest trying a classic Manhattan. Mix 2 oz of Kooper Family Rye with 1 oz of sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy.
Another great cocktail to try is the Old Fashioned. Muddle a sugar cube with a splash of water and a few dashes of bitters. Add ice and 2 oz of Kooper Family Rye. Stir until well chilled, and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist, and enjoy.
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Food Pairings
Kooper Family Rye is a versatile whiskey that pairs well with a variety of foods. The spicy notes of the rye complement rich, savory dishes like grilled meats and hearty stews. For a perfect pairing, try sipping Kooper Family Rye alongside a juicy steak or a bowl of beef chili.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, Kooper Family Rye also pairs well with seafood. The herbal notes of the rye complement the delicate flavors of fish and shellfish. Try pairing it with grilled salmon or a plate of oysters on the half shell.
Remember, when it comes to pairing whiskey with food, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Experiment with different flavors and find what works best for your palate.
Conclusion
After trying Kooper Family Rye Whiskey, I must say that I am impressed. This whiskey has a unique combination of fruity, spicy, and herbaceous flavors that make it stand out from other rye whiskeys. The aroma is clean and earthy, with a hint of toffee pudding and citrus. The low burn on the palate is accompanied by woody, spicy vanilla, and smoky oak flavors that dominate the taste buds.
If you are a fan of rye whiskey, I would highly recommend giving Kooper Family Rye a try. It has a unique taste profile that sets it apart from other rye whiskeys and is reasonably priced.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed reading about Kooper Family Rye, you might want to check out some of my other whiskey reviews. Here are a few that I think you’ll find interesting:
- Weekly Review: Old Pulteney Clipper Commemorative Edition: This review takes a look at a special edition whiskey from Old Pulteney that celebrates the brand’s sailing heritage. If you’re a fan of maritime-themed whiskeys, you won’t want to miss this one.
- Loch Lomond & Glen Scotia unveil new Global Travel Retail Range: This post explores a new range of whiskeys from Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia that were designed specifically for travelers. If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, this might be the perfect whiskey to take with you.
- Tested For You: SMWS Flavour Behaviour Personality Test: Have you ever wondered how your personality affects your whiskey preferences? This post takes a look at a personality test created by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society that helps you find your perfect whiskey flavor.
- Weekly Review: Wolfburn Single Malt: If you’re a fan of small-batch whiskeys, you’ll love this review of Wolfburn Single Malt. This whiskey is made in small batches in the Scottish Highlands, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
- Dream Dram: Black Bull 40 Years Old: Finally, if you’re looking for a truly special whiskey to try, you won’t want to miss this review of Black Bull 40 Years Old. This whiskey is incredibly rare and expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re a true whiskey connoisseur.
