Venus Spirits will launch a second style of Wayward Whiskey, a rye that has been aged for seven months in ten-gallon casks. Rye whiskey was once America’s favorite spirit, but nearly disappeared after prohibition. Wayward Whiskey revels in its resurrection, creating a rye that is defiant in both flavor and spirit.

The 60% rye mash bill is rounded out with organic corn, organic malted barley and organic malted wheat. The spicy character is balanced with sweetness from the corn and grain notes from the malted barley and wheat. Like the single malt that was released in January, Wayward Rye is crafted from start to finish at Venus Spirits distillery, located just off the coast in Santa Cruz, CA. It is double distilled in a hand pounded copper Alembic still and put into charred New American Oak barrels. This first batch of rye was allowed to rest in ten-gallon casks for seven months, the aggressive aging process enhanced by the exposure to coastal conditions.

Wayward Whiskey Rye will be available in limited quantities in the Bay Area as early as next week. It has been bottled at 92 proof, with a suggested retail price of $52 per 750ml bottle. Please visit our website for a list of our retailers and more information on the entire Venus Spirits portfolio, including recent awards and recognition.

About Venus Spirits, LLC

Founded in 2013 by Sean Venus, Venus Spirits is located in Santa Cruz, California. Venus Spirits currently produces certified organic, small-batch Wayward Whiskey, Venus Spirits Gin and Aquavit, and El Ladrón Blue Agave Spirit. Distributed throughout Northern California by Southern Wine & Spirits, these three brands are available at fine locations in Santa Cruz, Monterey and the Bay Area. venusspirits.com

About Sean Venus, Founder & Distiller

Sean attended the University of Oregon during the initial renaissance of craft beer, and began working as an assistant brewer at the age of twenty. He held various positions with breweries in Eugene and spent six years with Gordon Biersch Brewing in San Jose, CA. For the next eight years he worked for several organic food companies, cultivating his knowledge of retail sales and distribution.

Inspired by his love for whiskey, Sean made the decision in 2012 to start a craft distillery in Santa Cruz, where he lives with his wife and two children. Distilling began in May of 2014 and Venus Spirits Gin Blend No. 01 launched the following July. Wayward Whiskey Rye will be the sixth spirit to join the Venus Spirits portfolio in less than a year.