A steady, fruit-leaning rye that plays it a bit too safe
Another 12 year, 8 month MGP rye, this time at 108.4 proof, “Shoot Yer Rye Out” trades some of the eccentricity of its sibling for a more grounded, traditional profile.
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: 108.4 (54.2% ABV)
- Mashbill: 95% Rye │ 5% Malted Barley
- Origin: MGP — Lawrenceburg, Indiana with additional aging in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Finish: Straight, cask strength
- Barrel: IR95-005
- Release: Single Barrel, limited release (December 2025)
- MSRP: $135 (Old Cypress)
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Dark caramel, dark cherry, and baking spices. Pleasant, but restrained.
- Palate: Medium mouthfeel with crème brûlée richness and a subtle pear note. Texturally satisfying, though somewhat linear.
- Finish: Caramel and cherry deepen into fig jam, with a lingering charred cinnamon spice.
This is a low-and-slow pour.
Nothing jumps out too aggressively, but it also never quite builds into something memorable.
The mid-palate texture is a highlight, though the flavor progression feels a bit one-note.
The finish does some heavy lifting, bringing a longer, more developed close.
Distinctiveness
Less overtly unique than “Cherry Christmas,” but still carries a fruit-forward MGP variation with fig and pear nuances. The tradeoff is that it leans toward consistency over character.
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 feels fair, if not slightly high.
The age is there, the profile is solid, but it doesn’t quite deliver a standout moment that pushes it into must-buy territory.
Buy this if you:
- You want a well-aged, easy-drinking rye
- You enjoy caramel-forward profiles with subtle fruit
- You prefer balance over bold experimentation
Skip if you:
- You’re looking for big evolution or standout complexity
- You want a rye that pushes boundaries
- Price-to-impact matters heavily in your buying decisions
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 3.75 / 7
- Palate: 5.5 / 7
- Finish: 5.5 / 7
- Presentation: N/A
- Distinctiveness: 4 / 7
- Transparency: 6.5 / 7
- Value: 4.5 / 7
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 4.96 / 7 – Angelic
Good to great. High value for the price.
| 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.
Related Articles
An 11-year MGP bourbon with bold red fruit and a standout finish. It struggles with tannic dryness and value at a $155 price point.
A 12+ year MGP rye with bold cherry syrup and mulled spice notes, offering a unique profile but falling slightly short on depth for its age and price.
A 100-proof, 6–8 year blend of high-rye and wheated craft bourbons that balances structure with layered sweetness, offering a spice-forward profile with sneaky complexity.