Prior to the Old Forester pick- THIS was supposed to be the inaugural AWGF pick. This pick came into conception when Pablo made his way to Alaska November of 2022. Yes, the same time the Dinner Pick (White Port) and Fiori Pick (Tokaji) was done. Blame the chip shortages, logistical issues or all the above. Doesn’t matter. It’s here now!

Prior to the dinner, Pablo was whipping out some samples that he brought up for Ylli. Pablo heard Ylli was a Rye Guy. So of course, probably the second sample was this rye. Pablo kept hinting that this was a very special barrel that has been sittin’ pretty in the RC warehouse…but wasn’t able to allude too much details about it. IYKYK. When Ylli had it, he said it must be his.

This is probably the fastest Ylli has ever committed to a barrel after trying it. And if you know FDI, they have been a staple establishment for getting the category of ryes on the map. That being said, Ylli has probably had every core SKU rye out there and a countless amount of rye samples from NDPs (non-distiller producer). To have a rye that makes him say yes that fast is impressive.

EDITOR'S NOTES: I’m a Rye Guy. This SLAPPS. The first KY distilled juice from RC I’ve seen and man…they gotta keep this recipe around, JFC.