Rolling Fork REWCO Rye Review: Pre-Prohibition Legacy Revived

In the latest episode of Five Minute Fridays, the team at Bourbon Lens delivered an exclusive, first-look review of Rolling Fork Spirits’ highly anticipated new release: REWCO 6-Year Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

Following their widely successful revival of the historic Bourbon de Luxe brand, blending masters Turner Wathen and Jordan Morris are turning their attention to the rye category. This new expression revives a storied label with deep roots in Kentucky whiskey history.

Resurrecting a 200-Year Whiskey Legacy

The REWCO brand—short for R.E. Wathen & Company—is a direct tribute to Richard E. Wathen, a legendary figure who served as president of American Medicinal Spirits during Prohibition. The release marks a monumental return of a heritage brand straight out of the Wathen family’s historic distilling lineage.

Stepping into a crowded craft market, Rolling Fork is positioning this 109.4-proof cask strength rye as an accessible premium offering at an approachable $59.99 MSRP.

A Bold, Hybrid Approach to Blending

Host Jake Lewellen broke down the whiskey’s unique formulation, which moves away from standard commercial rye profiles. Rolling Fork crafted this small batch by blending two distinct mashbills: three barrels of a traditional 74% rye with two barrels of a high-spice 95% green-tea and minty style rye.

The result is a complex, multi-layered flavor profile that challenges the standard conventions of American rye:

The Nose: An unexpected wave of sweet corn, rich baking spices, bright citrus zest, and grilled peaches.
The Palate: A deeply complex, tropical fruit sweetness that expertly balances the robust 109.4 cask strength proof.
The Finish: A long, persistent, yet subtle rye spice that showcases the brand’s signature blending precision.

Historically marketed as “The Zenith of Possibility in Whiskey Quality,” this modern iteration of REWCO proves that Rolling Fork can capture lightning in a bottle twice. The full five-minute breakdown, including final value scores and tasting notes, is now streaming on the Bourbon Lens YouTube channel and all major podcast platforms.

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