Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Law Whiskey House—Denver, CO

Proof: 95.0 (47.5% ABV)

Age: Three+ Years

Mashbill: 100% San Luis Valley Rye (50% Raw, 50% Malted)

MSRP: $65

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Colorado Rye with Altitude – Not Attitude

Colorado-based Laws Whiskey House boosts that it is not content with industry shortcuts. Since its founding, the Denver distillery has embraced grain-to-glass production, working exclusively with regional farmers and using open-air fermentation, heirloom grains, and a slow-cut proofing process. This is very evident in their San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey — a 100% rye expression distilled from a unique blend of 50% raw and 50% malted rye, all grown at 7,500 feet above sea level in Colorado’s remote San Luis Valley.

The rye used here is no ordinary commodity grain. It’s an heirloom variety — a term for older, non-hybridized strains preserved over generations for their distinctive flavor and fermentation qualities, rather than yield or mass scalability.  Heirloom grains typically grow in smaller quantities and are prized for contributing deeper character and complexity in fermentation and distillation. According to Laws, “We fell in love with how it ferments and distills into a terroir-driven, unapologetic whiskey.”

That phrase — terroir-driven — borrows from the wine world and refers to the way regional factors like climate, soil composition, elevation, and farming practices shape the final flavor of a spirit.  In this case, the San Luis Valley’s high altitude, dry climate, and mineral-rich soil help give the rye a bold and individualistic profile.  This isn’t just another in-your-face spicy rye.  It’s a whiskey that reflects intentional grain sourcing and controlled fermentation techniques, distilled with a clear sense of purpose.

Let’s take a closer look.

Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4/5

Herbal, orange zest, and a subtle sweetness lift from the glass, offering a clean and citrus-forward bouquet without veering into aggressive spice. There’s a sense of fresh-cut greenery beneath the fruit, supported by faint notes of toasted grain.

Palate – 4.5/5

A bright and layered pour that leans heavily into sweet mint and orange peel, with strong navel orange notes mid-Palate. The malted rye contributes softness, while a char note adds contrast to balance against the sweetness. This is a rye that is composed rather than chaotic.

Finish – 4.5/5

The finish is dry and cleansing, lacking the lingering sharpness or sour tang that some 100% rye expressions carry.  It fades gently and efficiently, with no bitterness — just a soft echo of mint and citrus.

Value – 4/5

At $65, this expression sits in the upper tier for younger straight ryes. But the value proposition rests not just in age, but in distinctive grain character, small-scale sourcing, and fermentation complexity.  For enthusiasts seeking a rye that departs from mass-market spice bombs, the Laws San Luis Valley Rye offers something decidedly more nuanced and thoughtfully made.

Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Refined, vibrant, and grain-forward, Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey delivers its own unique take on a 100% rye whiskey. Its combination of high-altitude grain sourcing, malt complexity, and smart proofing make this a memorable pour.  It avoids the pitfall of being “interesting but unbalanced” — instead landing squarely in the upper-Gold tier with broad appeal for rye enthusiasts. Shop here.

Verdict – 4.25/5

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