Located in Manassas, Virginia, outside of Washington, DC, KO Distilling serves up craft spirits distilled from local ingredients. Founded in 2015 by lifelong friends Bill Karlson and John O’Mara (the K and the O), the distillery grew out of their respective early retirement ambitions. Producing dark (Bare Knuckle) and clear (Battle Standard Gin) lines, KO Distilling attempts to capture “Virginia’s Fighting Spirit.” Lets see what kind of punch it delivers with the KO Distilling Bare Knuckle Rye review.

Bare Knuckle Rye consists of a 100% rye mash bill sourced from Virginia farms, and aged in new, charred American Oak barrels. Subsequently, they claim hand selection from no more than 10 barrels for each batch. My bottle carries an age statement of 20 months and 90 proof (45% ABV). Additionally, the website says the rye whiskey is double distilled. Not much more to say about this one, so lets step into the ring!

Bottle and Appearance

In the bottle, the whiskey exudes a striking deep sienna. Transitioning to the glass, some of the darkness recedes. However, a level of brilliance remains. Swirling it in the glass produces a very thick, syrupy coating. Eventually large drops form that methodically descend leaving thick, big legs behind. The label itself goes for a sort of weathered boxing promotion look, complete with the picture of a bare knuckle boxer. The first time I encountered this particular whiskey, an overview of the boxer was presented. However, KO seems to have done away with that practice as no information is forthcoming. Overall, the whiskey appearance presents nicely.

Nose

Moving into the substance, the nose produces a mixed drying and warming effect. Both sensations strike lightly, as does the associated scent profile. A wood sensation opens up revealing a light oak resin. Eventually, a sweetness emerges in the form of a nostalgic orange creamsicle. A maple syrup strain pervades throughout, and effectively bookends the overall experience. While generally pleasant, the nose doesn’t exactly come out swinging and requires a hefty degrees of prodding and pulling.

Palate

Transitioning to the mouth, a noticeable astringency bolts forward. Not surprisingly, this initiates a familiar medicinal impression hearkening back to childhood. Perceptions of cherry cough syrup form, with a looming menthol cough drop lurking behind. As the menthol itself materializes and emerges, a wafting effect of the sensation starts to unfold eventually touching the sinuses. Above all, any level of complexity fails to unfurl and the footwork in the palate appears a bit heavy (to borrow a boxing term).

Finish

Moving along to last round, the medicinal qualities linger but spill over into additional earthy flavors. A peated iodine shows up instantly, and maintains throughout the lengthy duration. Playing on the earth tones, a vague blend of mushroom and yeast simmers in the background, but remains somewhat undefined. Cinnamon eventually emerges, but very near to the end and with little spirit. The finish, like the nose and palate, fails to deliver a final blow but rather contents itself loosely jabbing away – strategy unknown.

Drinkability

Ice or water do not unlock or uncover additional qualities, but merely reinforce the existing ones. The overall sensation of this rye whiskey promotes a bygone era of going to the local soda jerk counter after receiving the latest health tonic from the town’s doctor. Best drank at the counter while trying to fend off a childhood case of measles or rubella.

Food Pairing

Given the resemblance to common cold remedies, toast or saltines fit with this whiskey. If you want something a bit more satisfying yet retaining bland qualities, go with heavily boiled chicken noodle soup – canned if possible.

Facial Hair Rating

Bare Knuckle Rye Whiskey receives the Chin Curtain facial hair rating. Beyond the framing itself, little to no additional movement happens. In a sense, the chin curtain seems to operate as a transition to mutton chops or side burns, or something a little edgier. Alas, it never quite makes the move, but somehow retains a degree of permanent impermanence. Plus, the look works for selling cure-all tonics out of a wagon on the side of a road.

Overall

To conclude the KO Distilling Bare Knuckle Rye review, a boxing match wants to break out but we’re left with a doctors visit in a Rockwellian yesteryear. The nostalgic tones leave an impression, but ultimately fail to satisfy or evolve. Rather than landing a dramatic haymaker or a knockout left hook or even a series of fast crisp jabs, this boxer seems content on playing defense until the final bell hoping for the best. I would like to see a batch number on the bottle given the distiller’s size. Doing this shows the consumer that variance between batches potentially exists, and to circle back at a later date.

Grade: C

Here is an overview of our proprietary Rating System. Please share your thoughts below or reach out to us on our contact page. Find this whiskey or any other favorites with Frootbat – any bottle, anywhere!