Sextro Rye Two Barrel Reserve Whiskey

Distillery: Distilled by Bad Bear Enterprises—Caroll, Iowa

Proof: 90 (45% ABV)

Age: NAS

Mashbill: Rye grain with a touch of cane sugar

MSRP: $50

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Who They Are

Rye whiskey and American history have long been intertwined.  Few of our modern whiskies can lay claim to an authentic story in American history like Sexto Rye Two Barrel Reserve Whiskey does.

Rooted in the bootlegging traditions of Prohibition-era Iowa, this whiskey is a tribute to Lorine Sextro, a resourceful woman who, in 1932, learned the craft of distilling from a bootlegger to whom she rented her attic.

While federal agents raided a neighboring farm in 1933—mistakenly believing they had found the source of illegal whiskey—Lorine and her secret operation remained undiscovered. Rumors persist, to this day, that barrels of her small-batch 100% rye whiskey are still buried somewhere in Carroll County, Iowa.

Nearly 60 years later, in 1989, Lorine finally shared her bootlegging past, revealing her secret rye recipe to a family friend. That authentic prohibition-era recipe is revived in Sextro Rye Two Barrel Reserve, a modern whiskey that honors its origins. Distilled from 100% rye grain with a touch of cane sugar, it undergoes a two-barrel aging process designed to add depth to the final product.

Does it live up to its storied past? Let’s pour a glass and find out.

Sextro Rye Two Barrel Reserve Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.75/5

The Nose is rich with sweetness and dark fruit—think ripe plums or apricots.  Hints of toasted oak, just as we would expect from a double-barreled expression.

Palate – 4.5/5

On the Palate, this whiskey delivers a balanced experience as a wave of rye spice hits first, bringing cracked black pepper and baking spices before giving way to subtler notes of dark cherries, vanilla, and some charred oak. A mouthfeel that is full-bodied and wonderfully rich.

Finish – 4.25/5

The Finish is lingering spice with a touch of cocoa. A tannic dryness emerges at the very end that is endearing and makes you yearn for more sips to come.

Value – 4.75/5

With an MSRP of $50, Sextro Rye Two Barrel Reserve offers tremendous value for a high-quality, 100% rye whiskey with a compelling historical backstory.

Sextro Rye Two Barrel Reserve Whiskey Review: The Verdict

This is a standout bottle that pays respect to its Prohibition-era roots. The layers of spice, sweetness, and oak create a complex yet well-balanced pour.  This is a must-have bottle that will satisfy both rye enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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

Verdict – 4.5/5

Insiders, please pay attention to this don’t miss bottle!

A Legacy of Bootlegging and Resilience

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