BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Distilled by MGP; Bottled by Balthazar Rex—Vermont

Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)

Age: Specific age statement is unavailable. Marketed as “Average Age 15 Years”

Mashbill: 60% Rye, 30% Calvados, 10% Armagnac

MSRP: $69

If you give BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey a try, please join in the conversation by commenting on this review or drop me a note at mike@bourboninspector.com

---

BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey: A Boldly Brilliant Blend of Tradition & Innovation

BHAKTA is building a strong reputation for unique barrel finishes, and this expression fits perfectly in their lineup of adventurous expressions.  BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey takes a bold step, blending straight rye whiskey with Calvados and Armagnac spirits—an unusual combination that you can bet either falls flat or excels.

The base whiskey is a straight rye sourced from MGP.  It is then blended with:

• Calvados (French apple and/or peach brandy) which we can expect will impart fruity, baked apple notes.
• Armagnac (French brandy made from distilled wine), known for its earthy and fruit forward character

The additional layers created by the unique blending is a give and take of aromas and flavors that is anything but ordinary. 

How does the marriage of tradition and innovation play out? Let’s dive into the glass and find out.

BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5

The Nose is richly aromatic, with notes of cooked green apples.  Beneath the fruit, a layer of rye spice, subtle char, and nuttiness emerges.  There’s a distinct touch of saltiness—think green olive juice.  This is the most intriguing Nose I’ve encountered during Rye January.

Palate – 4.5/5

The fruity and savory immediately assert themselves.  A wave of cracked black pepper that appears mid-palate along with a slight citrus zest that adds some freshness. The mouthfeel is nothing short of silky-smooth, rounding out a wonderful Palate experience.

Finish – 4.0/5

The Finish evolves quickly, starting with notes of rye spice, followed by a sweet-tart mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples along with notes of dark chocolate. An endearing dryness at the very end gradually fades.  My only wish?  That the Finish would linger a bit longer–it’s that good.

Value – 4.5/5

At $69, BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye is an excellent buy.  The complexity involved in the dual blending makes this an exciting pickup for anyone seeking a truly unique rye whiskey. If you’re an enthusiast who appreciates a truly unique rye expression, this bottle is worth exploring.

BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

The blending of classic rye with Calvados and Armagnac creates a whiskey that bridges the gap between bold spice and refined sweetness.

This is a “must have” bottle for those who love complexity and are not afraid to venture into new flavor territories or are looking to add an economical yet luxurious expression to their sipping rotation.

Verdict – 4.4/5

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