{"title":"Belfour Spirits","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"belfour-rye-whiskey-750ml","title":"Belfour Rye Whiskey 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelfour Rye Whiskey 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 94-proof (47% ABV) American rye whiskey produced using a distinctive sweet mash fermentation in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 96 points by The Tasting Panel and a Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition, this rye stands apart through its unconventional production approach and richly layered flavor profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Statesville, North Carolina, USA  |  Aged Minimum 18 Months  |  Distillery: Southern Distilling Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBelfour Rye is produced at Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina. The mashbill consists of 70% rye, 20% corn, and 10% malted barley, and the whiskey is aged a minimum of 18 months in new charred American oak barrels. What distinguishes this expression from the vast majority of rye whiskeys on the market is its sweet mash fermentation process — rather than the sour mash technique used by most American whiskey producers, Belfour starts each fermentation batch with entirely fresh yeast, yielding a cleaner, sweeter fermentation character that carries through to the finished spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with toasted marshmallow and sea salt caramel toffee, followed by a distinct burnt vanilla character. A subtle sweetness underpins the aromatic profile, drawing you toward the first sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, sweet caramel and brown sugar dominate, quickly joined by soft leather and lemon zest at mid-palate. As the rye grain asserts itself, a building spiciness emerges across the back palate, balancing the initial sweetness with considerable complexity for a whiskey aged 18 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is full-bodied with a velvety warmth that lingers well beyond the last sip. A distinctive peppermint note closes things out, providing a cool, spice-driven farewell that invites another taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Belfour Rye\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 94 proof, Belfour Rye has enough structure to drink neat, though a few drops of water open up the caramel and toffee notes considerably. On the rocks, it remains expressive without losing its spice backbone. For cocktails, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eManhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e — the sweet mash character adds a rounder, more caramel-forward dimension than typical ryes; a \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the peppermint finish harmonizes beautifully with the absinthe rinse; or an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its brown sugar and vanilla sweetness reduces the need for added sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBourbon drinkers exploring rye whiskey for the first time — the sweet mash process delivers a smoother entry point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCocktail enthusiasts seeking a rye with more body and sweetness for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey collector who appreciates unusual production techniques\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar with critically acclaimed American whiskeys under the radar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Belfour Rye taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Belfour Rye leads with sweet caramel, brown sugar, and soft leather, building into rye spice on the back palate and finishing with a distinctive peppermint warmth. The sweet mash fermentation gives it a smoother, rounder profile than many traditional rye whiskeys.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Belfour Rye compare to Bulleit Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulleit Rye uses a much higher rye content at 95% rye in its mashbill versus Belfour's 70%, resulting in a significantly spicier, drier profile. Belfour Rye's sweet mash process and higher corn percentage (20%) produce a noticeably sweeter, more caramel-driven whiskey that bridges the gap between bourbon and rye.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Belfour Rye good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 47% ABV it carries enough proof to deliver full flavor without overwhelming heat, and the sweet mash character creates a velvety mouthfeel that rewards slow, contemplative sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Belfour Rye made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Belfour Rye is produced at Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina. Southern Distilling is a contract and proprietary distillery known for producing whiskey for several notable brands.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Belfour Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e The caramel and brown sugar notes complement smoked pork ribs with a sweet glaze; the rye spice cuts through rich charcuterie boards with aged cheeses; the peppermint finish pairs surprisingly well with dark chocolate desserts; the leather and vanilla tones match well with grilled lamb chops; and the overall sweetness balances spicy Cajun dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Belfour Rye come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is the 750ml size, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Belfour Rye worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Belfour Rye positions in the mid-premium tier for American rye whiskey, and its 96-point score from The Tasting Panel along with a Gold Medal from the New York International Spirits Competition suggest it delivers considerable quality relative to its price category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Belfour Rye?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sweet mash fermentation process is the defining feature here — while the overwhelming majority of American whiskey relies on sour mash, Belfour's commitment to fresh-yeast fermentation produces a distinctly cleaner, sweeter spirit that genuinely tastes different from its shelf neighbors. A 96-point rating from The Tasting Panel and Gold Medal recognition from the New York International Spirits Competition validate what the palate discovers: this is a seriously well-made rye. The 70\/20\/10 mashbill strikes a deliberate balance between rye spice and corn sweetness, making it one of the more approachable ryes available without sacrificing the grain character that rye drinkers seek. For anyone looking to explore what sweet mash fermentation brings to American whiskey, this is one of the clearest demonstrations on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belfour Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837829542057,"sku":"32876","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Belfour-Rye-Whiskey__80462.jpg?v=1730496499"},{"product_id":"belfour-small-batch-bourbon-750ml","title":"Belfour Small Batch Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelfour Small Batch Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a wheated small batch bourbon bottled at 50.25% ABV (100.5 proof) in a 750ml format. Drawn from a limited selection of just 95 barrels, this one-time release earned 91 points from Tastings.com, underscoring its quality within the wheated bourbon category.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 50.25% (100.5 Proof)  |  Origin: Statesville, North Carolina, USA  |  Style: Wheated Small Batch Bourbon  |  Distillery: Southern Distilling Company\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBelfour Spirits was founded by Ed and Dayn Belfour, who designed a custom mashbill of 60% corn, 30% wheat, and 10% malted barley — placing this firmly in the wheated bourbon tradition. The liquid is contract-distilled at Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina, though the Belfours maintained direct involvement by traveling to the distillery for blending, barrel selection, and proofing. Only 95 barrels were selected for this true small batch release, making it a finite, non-repeatable bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshly made caramel leads, followed by a wave of wildflower honey and gardenia florals. Underneath, subtle mulling spices add warmth and complexity to the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and creamy, coating the palate with caramel and milk chocolate. At mid-palate, hazelnut and pecan emerge alongside richer notes reminiscent of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. A layer of walnut and spongy spearmint cake develops toward the peak, showcasing the wheat-forward sweetness of the mashbill.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate in length, the finish delivers honey graham cracker, candied orange peel, and sweet pipe tobacco. A hint of light peppermint lingers alongside vanilla and citrus as it fades.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Belfour Small Batch\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt 100.5 proof, this bourbon rewards a neat pour or a single large ice cube that gradually opens the sweeter, nuttier layers. A few drops of water can amplify the floral honey notes without diminishing structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The caramel-forward profile and proof hold up beautifully against bitters and a sugar cube. \u003cstrong\u003eBourbon Smash:\u003c\/strong\u003e The honey and mint characteristics integrate naturally with fresh lemon and muddled mint. \u003cstrong\u003ePaper Plane:\u003c\/strong\u003e The chocolate and hazelnut richness adds depth to Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice in equal measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWheated bourbon enthusiasts looking to explore limited small batch releases\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a bourbon collector who values finite, non-repeatable bottlings\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dessert courses featuring chocolate or nuts\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a high-proof anchor to a home bourbon tasting flight\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Belfour Small Batch taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with creamy caramel and milk chocolate, develops into hazelnut and pecan at mid-palate, and finishes with honey graham cracker, candied orange peel, and sweet pipe tobacco. The wheated mashbill gives it a softer, sweeter profile than rye-heavy bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Belfour Small Batch compare to W.L. Weller?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are wheated bourbons, but Belfour's mashbill uses a higher wheat percentage at 30% compared to Weller's estimated lower wheat content, contributing to a noticeably creamier mouthfeel. Belfour also bottles at a higher 100.5 proof, giving it more intensity and a fuller body than Weller Special Reserve's 90 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Belfour Small Batch good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 100.5 proof delivers enough structure and complexity for neat sipping, while the wheated mashbill keeps the heat well-integrated and approachable. A drop of water can further enhance the floral and honey aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Belfour Small Batch made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is distilled at Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina. Ed and Dayn Belfour designed the custom mashbill and were personally involved in blending, barrel selection, and proofing at the distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Belfour Small Batch?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the hazelnut and cocoa notes. Pecan pie mirrors the bourbon's nutty sweetness. Smoked brisket balances the caramel richness with savory depth. Aged Gouda echoes the butterscotch and toasted nut character. Crème brûlée harmonizes with the honey and vanilla finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Belfour Small Batch come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Belfour Small Batch Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Belfour Small Batch worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-premium wheated bourbon, and the limited 95-barrel selection, hands-on blending involvement, and 91-point Tastings.com rating provide strong value context within that tier. The one-time release nature adds collectibility that comparable wheated bourbons at similar price points may not offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Belfour Small Batch?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this bourbon apart is its strict limitation to 95 barrels — once they are gone, this exact blend cannot be replicated. The 60\/30\/10 wheated mashbill produces a distinctly creamy, dessert-leaning profile that earned a 91-point rating from Tastings.com. Bottled at a robust 100.5 proof, it delivers serious intensity without sacrificing the approachable softness that wheated bourbon drinkers seek. For collectors and enthusiasts drawn to finite releases with transparent production origins, this is a bottling that documents its own scarcity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belfour Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45890321907881,"sku":"40944","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/BelfourSmallBatchBourbon750ML.webp?v=1748987747"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/belfour-spirits.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}