Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery—Nashville, TN

Proof: 92.5 (46.25% ABV)

Age: Two+ Years

Mashbill: 64% Rye, 30% Corn, 6% Malted Barley

MSRP: $40

---

A Revival of Heritage and Craftsmanship

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery stands as a testament to the legacy of American whiskey. Originally established in the 19th century by Charles Nelson, the distillery was once a prominent producer before Prohibition shuttered the operation. Over a century later, brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson resurrected their family’s storied brand by blending reverence with modern innovation.​

The Nelson Brothers line, including the Straight Rye Whiskey, embodies the past and present. Bottled at 92.5 proof (46.25% ABV), this rye offers a balanced profile that respects traditional methods and can appeal to palates in the here-and-now.​

Notably, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery shares a connection with High West Distillery in Utah through their mutual ownership by Constellation Brands. Presumably, this partnership fosters a collaborative environment, allowing both distilleries to benefit from shared expertise and a commitment to craft spirits.​

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.25/5

The Nose opens with a soft, herbal brightness that leans to dried wildflowers and a touch of orange blossom honey. Underneath those floral layers, there’s subtle toasted rye bread and a faint hit of spice tea—delicate not intense.

Palate – 3.75/5

The first sip brings on warm cereal grain and cooked stone fruit, like apricot jam on a piece of darkened toast. That’s followed by fresh mint–warm not hot–and gingerbread which gives a nicely balanced mid-spice complexity to the Palate–not too sharp, not too sweet.

Finish – 4/5

The Finish is clean with a gentle warming sensation on the tongue and lips.  Soft cloves along with Notes of toasted wood and hints of dry tobacco appear at the Finish.  The final is warm mint—not at all tannic– just enough to remind you this is a rye.​

Value – 4.75/5

Priced around $40, Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey offers a high-quality rye with excellent value. Its versatility for sipping neat and holding up to a cocktail creates significant variability.  ​

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey is a testament to the distillery’s dedication to producing exceptional spirits. Its balanced flavor profile and excellent Finish makes it a standout choice for rye enthusiasts.  Likewise, the lack of overdone heat makes this a newcomer friendly bottle.

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey is a testament to the distillery’s dedication to producing exceptional spirits. Its balanced flavor profile and excellent Finish makes it a standout choice for rye enthusiasts.  Likewise, the lack of overdone heat makes this a newcomer friendly bottle.

 Online shop & retail bottle locator — https://greenbrierdistillery.com/pages/bottleshop

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