Kooper Family Runaway Rye Review: A Whiskey's Wild Ride

Reader Rating963 Votes

9.3

A Spirited Journey: Kooper Family Runaway Rye

Welcome to the grand tale of a little rye whiskey with a Texas-sized tale: the Kooper Family Runaway Rye. Now, hold on to your cowboy hats as we gallop through the story of a drink that’s as much about the journey as it is about the sipping experience.

The Rootin’ Tootin’ Origin of Kooper Family Whiskey

Picture this: the year, 2012; the place, a quaint spot in Ledbetter, Texas, not far from Houston. Here, Troy and Michelle Kooper, a dynamic duo of distillery dreams, birthed the Kooper Family Whiskey brand into the wild west of spirits. With a humble lineup of six unique releases, these trailblazers have corralled their concoctions into the hearts of Texans and Californians alike.

Runaway Rye: The Prodigal Spirit

Among their whiskey wonders is a vivacious vagabond, the Runaway Rye. This rascal of a rye is the result of three barrels’ harmonious huddle, a symphony of spirits if you will. They began their spirited sojourn in 2013, in Tennessee’s cradle of distillation, where they aged with grace for a trifecta of years. These barrels, laden with liquid gold, then made a 900-mile leap to Kooper’s headquarters in Dripping Springs, Texas for a two-year Texas tan and another 100-mile jaunt to Ledbetter for a final three-year siesta. This curious concoction is a distillery-exclusive release, y’all, meaning you’ve got to mosey on down to Kooper’s doorstep to snag a sip.

The Whiskey Whisperer: The Nose of Runaway Rye

Wrap your nostrils around the glass and breathe in that first fragrant whiff—green apple, caramel corn, and a flirtatious cherry hint. Venture a bit deeper, and you’ll find a tango of oak, vanilla, and a whisper of cinnamon. It’s an olfactory orchestra with a rye-infused rhythm. Definitely sweet, a tad spicy, and as satisfying as a Texas sunset.

Sweet Symphony on the Palate

Take a gulp and let that Runaway Rye strike your taste buds with a rye spice right hook, swiftly followed by a dark fruit serenade featuring plum and black cherry leading the charge. With a 100 proof punch, this palate is as hook-perfect as your favorite country melody, only with a dark twist that’ll have you tapping your boots all night long.

Finale: A Finishing Kick with a Spicy Twist

Now, don’t you hurry off yet—this rye’s finale deserves an encore! The finish takes its cue from the palate, bringing forward the same ensemble of flavors. The dark fruit lingers, buddying up with caramel and just the right dash of dry, tannic oak. That rye spice? Still calling the shots, ensuring every sip ends with a spicy souvenir.

The Unique Path of a Whiskey Wanderer

So why, you ask, does this Kooper Family Runaway Rye deserve a spot in your liquor cabinet? For starters, it’s the embodiment of a well-traveled spirit. Oh, and those who speculate about its origins—it’s a tantalizing mystery with hints that don’t quite point to Dickel or other usual suspects. This rye was column distilled with a mash of 51% rye, 36% corn, 13% malt, and has taste-tested the diverse climates of Tennessee and Texas, making it a bona fide whiskey globetrotter.

Texas whiskey is known for its boldness, a gift from those scorching summers, yet, Runaway Rye has dialed that trademark intensity to a distinctive rhythm. It’s dark, it’s heavy, it’s got a spice that lingers like a catchy refrain—it’s memorable, alright!

The Price Tag Tango

Here’s the kicker: the Kooper Family has tagged this seasoned traveler at an astoundingly reasonable $70. Considering its octogenarian barrel age, Texan sun-soaked maturation, and its dark, daring flavors, finding a rye like this on the market is like striking oil.

Wrapping Up the Runaway Rye Review

In true Texas fashion, this Kooper Family Runaway Rye Review isn’t just about age or origin—it’s about the spirit’s journey and the stories it gathers along the way. This whiskey, with each swirl and sip, tells a tale of its travels across state lines and time zones, ultimately finding a home in the Lone Star State. And the taste? As deep and dynamic as its backstory.

So, there you have it, folks—a rye that’s weathered the storms, basked in the heat, and emerged a champion of flavor and finesse. For whiskey wanderers and flavor chasers alike, Kooper Family’s Runaway Rye is a destination in itself. And just remember, it’s not where you start that counts; it’s the journey to that final, exquisite pour.