Three distinct chapters of history: Ferdinand Westheimer built Red Top into a national brand in the 1870s, Julian Van Winkle III resurrected it as a celebrated 15-year single barrel in the 1990s, and Old Commonwealth is bringing it back again in 2026.

A 100% rye mashbill is uncommon for a Kentucky rye, where most producers blend in corn or malted barley.

At 105 proof, it's built with enough backbone to hold up in cocktails, perfect for Vieux Carré, Perfect Manhattan, or a Ryearita.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Dried fruit opens it, raisin and fig, followed by dried flowers and a hint of fresh rose petal. Cinnamon, cardamom, and white pepper add barrel spice, with fresh-baked rye bread and whipped honey butter underneath.

Palate: Dried flowers, clove, and ginger lead, then rose petal, white pepper, steeped pear, and a hit of barrel spice on the back end. Lighter in body than the proof suggests, but it coats the mouth.

Finish: Fig and milk chocolate, with a long fade.