A fruit-forward rye with flashes of creativity, but not quite the depth to match its age
Old Cypress leans into Louisiana finishing and identity, and “Cherry Christmas” is a clear example of that influence layered onto a well-aged Indiana rye. At 12 years, 8 months and 113.2 proof, expectations are naturally elevated, especially at a premium price point.
About Old Cypress
Old Cypress is a boutique whiskey brand rooted in Louisiana, built by founder Joey Faciane, a former chef and restaurateur who brings a palate-first approach to barrel selection. His background in kitchens, where whiskey often marked the quiet end of a long service, shaped both his appreciation for the spirit and the philosophy behind the brand. What began as helping private groups select barrels eventually evolved into something more deliberate: a whiskey label built slowly, without shortcuts, and guided by instinct as much as experience.
The name itself reflects that mindset. Inspired by the cypress trees native to Louisiana — each one growing differently over time — Old Cypress leans into the idea that no two barrels are the same. That belief carries through to the whiskey, where selection is driven less by numbers on paper and more by how the spirit shows in the glass. While sourcing is implied to come from MGP in Indiana, the brand emphasizes its Louisiana identity through additional aging and finishing, along with a distinct house style that favors bold, mature, often fruit-forward profiles.
Old Cypress is intentionally small. The brand is self-funded, and every bottle released has been handled directly by its founder from selection to bottling to packaging. Releases are limited, not by design for hype, but by a commitment to staying hands-on and quality-driven. It’s a model that prioritizes control and character over scale, with each release aiming to reflect both the barrel it came from and the philosophy behind it.
Stats
- Age: 12 year 8 months
- Proof: 113.2 (56.6% ABV)
- Mashbill: 95% Rye │ 5% Malted Barley
- Origin: MGP — Lawrenceburg, Indiana with additional aging in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Finish: Straight, cask strength
- Barrel: IR95-001
- Release: Single Barrel, limited release (December 2025)
- MSRP: $135 (Old Cypress)
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Thick cherry syrup leads the way, backed by brown sugar and distant baking spices. It’s inviting, but slightly narrow for the age.
- Palate: Medium mouthfeel. Cherry syrup carries through, joined by a surprising note of strawberry bubble gum and soft mulled spice.
- Finish: The spice shows up first, slightly proof-forward, before giving way to darker fruit and a subtle, almost red wine–like tannic quality.
A thinner, less complex nose builds into a more expressive palate, where the fruit profile becomes more playful and unexpected.
That strawberry bubble gum note is genuinely unique, though it may divide drinkers.
The finish leans into spice and tannin, giving it structure, but not quite the layered evolution you might hope for at this age.
Distinctiveness
This is where it earns its place. The dark and red fruit spectrum, paired with that unexpected bubble gum note, separates it from more traditional MGP profiles.
That said, the mouthfeel and overall progression don’t fully capitalize on that uniqueness
Author’s Note: Presentation section is excluded as is customary for small sample bottles.
Transparency
Old Cypress does a commendable job listing age, proof, mashbill, and state of distillation, along with additional aging and bottling in Louisiana. While MGP isn’t explicitly named, “Indiana straight” tells the story clearly enough for most enthusiasts.
Value
At $135, this sits right on the edge of fair.
The uniqueness, especially the fruit profile, adds real intrigue, but at nearly 13 years old, I wanted more depth and transition across the experience. It’s close, but not fully there.
Buy this if you:
- You’re chasing unique fruit-forward ryes
- You enjoy finished or wine-adjacent profiles
- You value experimentation over textbook balance
Skip if you:
- You expect deep complexity from a 12+ year rye
- You’re sensitive to slightly tannic, drying finishes
- You want clear value at this price point
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 4 / 7
- Palate: 5.5 / 7
- Finish: 5.8 / 7
- Presentation: N/A
- Distinctiveness: 5 / 7
- Transparency: 6.5 / 7
- Value: 5 / 7
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 5.3 / 7 – Divine
Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style.
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable. |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
Disclosure: This sample was provided to me free of charge for review. All opinions are my own.
Looking for more whiskey reviews? Browse my latest reviews here.
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