MaltyVerse – A Wreck in Kentucky Review

Distillery: Green River Distilling—Owensboro, KY

Proof: 96.0 (48.0% ABV)

Age: Six Years

Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

MSRP: $100/700ml

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A Comic on the Label — A Real Story in the Glass

MaltyVerse is a new whiskey label with a twist:  each release is paired with a serialized comic story accessible via QR code.  Their first offering, A Wreck In Kentucky, is more than just a marketing novelty—it’s a single barrel bourbon distilled and aged at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky. Pulled from Rickhouse R after six years in a #4-char new oak barrel, this very limited release of only 159 bottles is bottled unfiltered at 96 proof.

The added comic storyline, featuring a character known as the “Kentucky Wrecker,” creates a unique experience—but don’t let the side story fool you–the real story is in the glass.  

This is classic Kentucky bourbon.

MaltyVerse – A Wreck in Kentucky Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.3/5

A burst of caramel, orange marmalade, and honey gram crackers opens on the Nose along with notes of vanilla bean.  There’s a significant richness on the Nose.

Strengths:  Layered with citrusy and oak notes reflect good barrel aging and a classic Kentucky profile.
Why It’s Not Higher:  A flash of ethanol appears at first Nose, softening after a few minutes in the glass.
Rating Justification:  A strong and expressive Nose.  Significant barrel age.  A richness that is held back just slightly by the initial sharpness.

Palate – 4/5

The entry on the Palate warm, with notes of burnt sugar, caramel, orange peel, and spiced pecans.  Mid-Palate brings notes of cherry cola along with a bit of leather.  The mouthfeel is medium-bodied—not overly rich—slightly into thin territory.

Strengths:  Good progression from sweet into spice.
Why It’s Not Higher:  There’s a noticeable dip in the middle—flavors momentarily thin before the rye kicks in and springs back to life.
Rating Justification:  A flavorful sip, but a brief hollowness mid-Palate holds it back from a top-tier score.

Finish – 3.9/5

The Finish begins with notes of honey-roasted nuts and vanilla, with charred oak and tobacco following closely after.  Last longer than might be expected for 96 proof.  Finishes pleasantly dry–not bitter.

Strengths:  Long, clean Finish.  Full of flavor.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The dry oak edges close out the sweetness a bit too quickly.
Rating Justification:  Solid length, but lacks a depth that would push the rating higher.

Value – 4.3/5

At $100, this six-year-old, cask-strength Kentucky single barrel lands right in the heart of an enthusiast price tier.  Sadly, it comes in a slightly smaller 700 mL format due to the cask’s limited yield of 159 bottles.  But that limited quantity creates a rarity that helps justify the Value.

Strengths:  Single barrel.  Above-average age.  Unique branding and packaging concepts.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The smaller bottle size will, for some buyers, make it a tougher investment.
Rating Justification:  It’s not a bargain pour.  For enthusiasts chasing limited barrels with character, and are willing to make the investment, the Value holds up.

This bottle checks nearly every enthusiast’s box.  An easy Gold-tier pick.

MaltyVerse – A Wreck in Kentucky Review: The Verdict

A Wreck In Kentucky is a really strong start from MaltyVerse.  While the comic-book concept adds a dynamic “flair”, the real appeal is a well-aged Kentucky single barrel that easily stands on its own merits. While the modest proof ensures approachability, it’s a release that works equally well for sipping, storytelling, and collecting.

Strengths:  Balanced and flavorful.  Single barrel credibility with a bit of novelty to stand out.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Slight ethanol on the Nose, a dip mid-Palate, and drying oak at the end limit it from the highest tier.
Rating Justification:  This bottle checks nearly every enthusiast’s box.  An easy Gold-tier pick.

Verdict – 4.2/5

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