Very Olde St Nick is one of those names that carries a certain mystique in American whiskey circles. The Summer Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey sits in a curious spot — a NAS release at 40.5% ABV with a price tag of £235 that immediately raises questions. But here's the thing: I've poured this one more than a few times now, and it keeps pulling me back.
First, let's talk about what we're dealing with. This is a Kentucky Straight Rye, which under American whiskey law means a mashbill of at least 51% rye grain, aged a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels, and distilled in Kentucky. The 'straight' designation matters — it's a legal guarantee of process and provenance, even when the age statement is absent. The 'Summer' tag suggests this was selected or blended for a lighter, more approachable profile, and at 40.5% ABV it's bottled just a hair above the legal minimum of 40%. That's a deliberate choice — they're not trying to knock you sideways with proof. They want you to sit with this one.
The Style
Very Olde St Nick has historically sourced whiskey from respected Kentucky distilleries, and while the exact distillery behind this particular release isn't confirmed, the brand has a track record of selecting quality barrels. At 40.5%, you're looking at a rye that prioritises smoothness and drinkability over brute intensity. The lower proof means the oak influence and spice character won't overwhelm — instead, expect the rye grain's natural peppery bite to come through in a more measured, rounded way. The 'Summer' label is apt. This is a warm-weather rye, one that doesn't demand a fireside or a heavy meal to justify the pour.
The Verdict
I'll be honest — £235 for a NAS rye at 40.5% is a lot of money. You're paying for the Very Olde St Nick name and whatever curation went into barrel selection. But when I actually drink this whiskey, I stop thinking about the receipt. It's polished, it's confident, and it knows exactly what it wants to be. Not every bottle needs to be a barrel-proof showstopper. Sometimes the skill is in restraint, in selecting barrels that work at a gentler proof without tasting thin or washed out. This bottle manages that balancing act. I'm giving it an 8 out of 10 — it loses a point on value for money at this price bracket, but on pure drinking quality, it earns its keep. If you can find it and the budget allows, it's a genuinely rewarding pour that shows rye whiskey's more graceful side.
Best Served
This is a natural Manhattan whiskey. The moderate proof and rye spice character are exactly what that cocktail was built around — mix it 2:1 with a quality sweet vermouth like Cocchi di Torino, add two dashes of Angostura, stir over ice for a good 30 seconds, and strain into a chilled coupe. The rye's pepper and grain character will cut through the vermouth's sweetness beautifully. That said, it drinks perfectly well neat at this proof — no water needed. Pour it long over a single large ice cube on a warm afternoon and you'll understand why they called it the Summer Rye.
