Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye is a straight rye whiskey finished in barrels that previously held Bayou XO Mardi Gras Rum. Bayou XO Mardi Gras Rum is a deep mahogany color with a stone fruit, plum, and sandalwood nose, and orange marmalade and dark stone fruit flavors with bursts of black currant and tupelo honey. It is aged in bourbon barrels for up to 5 years and then finished for an extra year in Pedro Ximenez sherry barrels.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rye spices, brown sugar, fruits – citrus, cherry, plum

Taste: Intense rye spices, buttery rum, brown sugar, spearmint, wintergreen.

Finish: The spearmint comes in at the end bringing a nice cool finish after the heat from the rye.  The rum is also very noticeable on the finish.  The finish lingers and has some heat but not overpowering.

Conclusion

Overall this is a unique flavor bomb that provides a lot of flavors the more you sip.  If you like rum, this is a great rye to get. The MSRP for the 2023 Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras Rye is $500.  If you have the opportunity to try or purchase this rye you will not be disappointed!