Distillery: Southern Distilling Company—Statesville, NC
Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)
Age: Four Years
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
MSRP: $70
Comic on the Label—Sweet Mash, No Gimmicks in the Bottle
Proof That Rye’s Heyday Can Be Experienced Again
Anderson & Link Whiskey Co. is taking a distinctive path with its Eagles Nest label, introducing a single malt rye whiskey. While bourbon and standard rye whiskey are the dominant styles in American whiskey, bottlings made entirely from malted rye are rare. By presenting their expression at 100 proof, Eagles Nest brings forth a whiskey that is balanced with grain character and malt complexity. Priced at $70, it offers enthusiasts a chance to explore a style that trades the sharp rye spice for a more layered and grain-forward profile—something that is an uncommon perspective and one that will endear itself to whiskey lovers.
Anderson & Link Eagles Nest Malted Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.5/5
Fresh baked rye bread. Chamomile tea. Honey Nut Cheerios.
Strengths: The Nose profiles the malted rye with a sweet-herbal spectrum. Balances toasted grain, sweet and floral notes. Proof keeps definition sharp without an overwhelming heat.
Why It’s Not Higher: A slight hit of pine resin detracts from the otherwise sweet and herbal notes.
Rating Justification: A near top-tier Nose that captures the malted rye identity.
Palate – 4.75/5
Molasses. Toasted pecans. Cracked black pepper. Cooling mint.
Strengths: The Palate is the star. Rich and layered. Flavors that carry significant weight. Grain, fruit, and spice in harmony.
Why It’s Not Higher: Maybe, just maybe, there is a sense that a greater intensity of flavors could emerge at higher proof.
Rating Justification: Outstanding. Mouthfeel is exceptional. Flavors carry the show.
Finish – 4.5/5
Dark roast coffee. Maple syrup. Herbal rye spice that lingers steadily.
Strengths: The Finish ties it all together as it extends roasted, sweet, and herbal notes in a steady progression.
Why It’s Not Higher: While satisfying and long enough, it holds steady rather than evolving.
Rating Justification: A strong, memorable close that leaves no doubt about this is a unique grain-forward whiskey.
Value – 4.75/5
At $70, Eagles Nest Single Malt Rye delivers exceptional value. 100% malted rye is rare on the market. The balance of intensity, approachability, and uniqueness makes this bottle stand out in the craft whiskey landscape. For enthusiasts eager to explore malted rye grain character without jumping to cask strength, this is the sweet spot.
Anderson & Link Eagles Nest Malted Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Eagles Nest Single Malt Rye Whiskey from Anderson & Link proves that malted rye’s heyday is not over. This expression delivers in complexity, balance and value. The Nose is refined, the Palate is outstanding, the Finish is steady, and the Value is exceptional. Together, they form a whiskey that doesn’t just showcase a once lost style—it re-defines it.
This is a benchmark expression in the single malt rye category and one that belongs on the shelf of enthusiasts who appreciate grain-driven whiskey at its best. Shop now.
Verdict – 4.75/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.