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Very Limited. Back in 2015, six New York State distilleries banded together to create an association dedicated to establishing a Whiskey style exclusively for the Empire State. Today, their number counts to nine and it is constantly growing. US industry estimates suggest that as much as 70% of the rye Whiskey sold in America comes from one distiller, MGP, a maker of generic and unbranded Whiskey in Indiana.
Empire Rye then, is a “controlled category” that requires, among other things, that the Whiskey is made using a minimum of 75% New York State-grown rye, that it is distilled to no more than 160 proof and aged for a minimum of two years in new oak and that it is mashed, fermented, distilled, barrelled and aged at a single New York State distillery in a single distilling season.
Kings County’s small batch Empire Rye Whiskey is made from 80% New York-grown Danko rye and 20% Golden Promise English malt that is then aged for at least two years in charred oak barrels.
Pulled from a single distilling season, this is a complex rye, with glowing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, maple, mint and cut grass with a finish of warm bread and holiday spice. Put simply, it’s a far more potent, pure and flavourful rye than the commercial norm.