Henebery Whiskey's Infused With Spices American Rye Whiskey caught my attention because it sits in an interesting space — a rye that leans into its spice-forward identity rather than running from it. At 45% ABV, it's bottled at a proof that tells me the producers want you to actually taste the whiskey rather than just feel the burn. That's a good sign.
Let me be upfront: Henebery isn't a name most people will recognise. The distillery behind this isn't confirmed, which means we're likely looking at a sourced rye that's been finished or infused with a proprietary spice blend. That's not a criticism — some of the best American whiskeys on the market are sourced, and what matters is what's in the glass. The "infused with spices" designation is worth paying attention to, though. Under US regulations, this can't legally be labelled as straight rye whiskey because of that infusion process. It's an honest label, and I respect that.
What I can tell you is that this is a rye whiskey with real intention behind it. Rye grain already brings a natural pepperiness and dry spice character to the table — think cracked black pepper, caraway, and that distinctive baking-spice warmth. When a producer chooses to amplify that with additional spice infusion, they're doubling down on what makes rye exciting in the first place. At 45% ABV, you've got enough strength to carry those flavours without them washing out, but it's still approachable enough for someone who isn't chasing cask-strength punishment.
The NAS (no age statement) designation is common in this category. Without confirmed distillery information, I can't speak to specific mashbill percentages or barrel programmes, but the proof point and the style suggest this was made with cocktails and flavour-forward sipping in mind.
Tasting Notes
I don't have detailed tasting notes to break down for this one, but based on the style and category, expect the classic rye backbone — dry, peppery, with a spice character that's been intentionally pushed further by the infusion process. At this proof, those flavours should come through clean and direct.
The Verdict
At around £70, Henebery's Spiced Rye sits at a price point where it needs to justify itself, and I think it does. This isn't trying to be a bourbon in disguise or a smooth-sipping crowd-pleaser. It's a rye that knows what it is — spice-forward, assertive, and built for people who actually enjoy the grain character that makes rye whiskey distinct from its bourbon cousins. The 45% ABV is well-chosen, giving it enough weight to stand up in cocktails without overwhelming a neat pour. If you're the kind of drinker who reaches for rye because you want that kick, this delivers. An 8/10 from me — it's doing exactly what it sets out to do, and doing it with confidence.
Best Served
This was made for a Manhattan. The spice-forward profile of this rye will cut through sweet vermouth beautifully — two parts Henebery, one part Carpano Antica, two dashes of Angostura, stirred over ice and strained into a coupe. The infused spice character means you can skip the fancy bitters and let the whiskey do the talking. If you prefer it neat, a single large ice cube will open it up nicely without drowning those spice notes. Either way, don't bury this in a cola — that would be missing the point entirely.
