Star Trek Spirits x Stellum Spirits Romulan Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery(ies)

Proof: 118.0 (59.0% ABV)

Age: NAS

Mashbill: Undisclosed

MSRP: $80

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Classic. Bold Proof. Galactic Theme.

Romulan Rye is a high-proof straight rye whiskey released by Star Trek Spirits in collaboration with Stellum Spirits, the blending offshoot of Barrell Craft Spirits.  Bottled at 118 proof with no age statement, the whiskey is distilled in Indiana and selected by the Stellum team who have a strong reputation for precision blending and a focus on flavor characteristics.

While the collectible branding may appeal to Star Trek, the whiskey itself is not a stunt.  Romulan Rye leans heavily into spice and intensity.

For those curious whether this crossover concept translates into a compelling rye, the answer is in the glass.  Let’s dive in…..

Star Trek Spirits x Stellum Spirits Romulan Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4/5

Rye Spice.  Brown Sugar.  Toasted Almonds.  Sweet Mint.  Cinnamon Stick.
Strengths:  A significant dept of rye notes.  Layers of sweet notes.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The initial ethanol burn at full proof makes the delicate notes difficult to distinguish.
Rating Justification:  Powerful.  Classic rye notes.  Early sharpness limits the Nose.  Needs time in the glass.

Palate – 4/5

Buttered Almonds.  Dill Herb.  Black Peppercorn.  Cinnamon Stick.
Strengths:  Complex notes–herbal, nutty, and sweet-spice. 
Why It’s Not Higher:  Cinnamon and black pepper bring a significant amount of heat that blocks the more nuanced flavors.
Rating Justification:  Bold and layered.  Compelling show of a rye expression’s range in flavors.  However, it leans heavily into aggressive spice.  Water is needed to bring forth the nuanced notes.

Finish – 3.5/5

Sweet Mint.  Dry Leather.  Charred Oak Tannin.  Lingering Cinnamon Spice.  Bold Heat.
Strengths:  Long and assertive.  Warming.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Char and tannin tends to take over and dominate the sweetness.
Rating Justification:  Finish is lasting spice.  As the sweeter notes from the Palate falls away, dry tannic comes forward.  Leans intense.

Value – 4/5

Strengths:  Bold rye whiskey.  Competes well against similar high-proof ryes in the $70–$90 range. Stellum’s blending reputation (under Barrell Craft Spirits) adds credibility.

Why It’s Not Higher:  Finish leans dry and intense, which may limit its appreciation to seasoned rye enthusiasts.  Limited transparency about distillate source.  Branding may cause perception to be a novelty—despite being a serious rye.

Rating Justification:  At $80, this expression is competitively priced up against Stellum Rye and Sagamore Cask Strength Rye.  For enthusiasts seeking spice and higher proof, this is solid value.

Star Trek Spirits x Stellum Spirits Romulan Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Romulan Rye is a bold, high-proof expression with a classic rye character.  The Nose and Palate has strong depth.  Finish leans dry and tannic, with spice and char overtaking the sweet and mint notes.  While the proof enhances the flavors, it also brings a sharpness.  Time in the glass or proof dilution helps bring forward more nuanced flavors.  This is a rye whiskey with standout moments but only to those enthusiasts who enjoy assertive spice.

Verdict – 3.9/5

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