Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey 45%

A tribute to the Beam who broke from family tradition and bet on rye instead of bourbon.

Expert description

Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey is an American rye whiskey, bottled at 45%, named after Minor Case Beam, a pioneer in the historic Beam family. In 1883, Minor Case Beam founded his own distillery, M.C. Beam & Co., near the town of Gethsemane, Kentucky, rather than joining the family's main operation. While bourbon was king in Kentucky at the time, Minor Case chose to specialise in rye whiskey. Minor Case is the distillery's modern flagship rye, launched in 2017 by two present-day Beam descendants who reopened Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, near the site where their great-great-grandfather once ran his distillery. The whiskey is finished in sherry casks for around 8 months to add depth and spice.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose offers rye bread, dried fruit and a hint of sherry.

Palate

The palate is spicy with rye grain, raisins and light caramel.

Finish

The finish is medium to long, spicy and sweet.

Specifications

Name: Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey
Distillery: Minor Case
Region/Country: Lebanon, Kentucky, USA
Type: Rye Whiskey
ABV: 45%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry cask finished

Flavour profile

Spicy · Rye-forward · Sherried · Sweet

Did you know?

Minor Case Beam was the only member of the otherwise bourbon-focused Beam family to specialise in rye whiskey — a niche his present-day descendants have revived at Limestone Branch Distillery.

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Frequently asked questions about Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey

Who was Minor Case Beam?

A pioneer in the historic Beam family who in 1883 founded his own distillery focused on rye whiskey, rather than following the family's main bourbon line.

What does the sherry cask finish do to the whiskey?

Around 8 months of ageing in sherry casks adds depth, dried fruit and a sweet spiciness to the already spicy rye base.

How is Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey best served?

Neat, on the rocks, or in classic rye cocktails like a Manhattan.

Is Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey 45% a good gift idea?

Yes, Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey 45% is a natural choice for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and characterful flavour experiences — especially for the whisky enthusiast keen to explore beyond the most familiar names.

How should Minor Case Sherry Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey 45% be stored?

Standing upright, cool and dark, like any other spirits bottle. Once opened, the contents keep best if enjoyed within a year or so.

What characterises the Lebanon style?

Lebanon is known for a corn-forward, sweet bourbon style with caramel and vanilla from new, charred oak barrels.