13th Colony Maple Finished Rye Whiskey
The Stats
- Distillery: 13th Colony Distillery
- Location: Americus, GA
- Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
- Finish: Maple Wood Spirals
- Proof: 113 Proof (56.5% ABV)
- Age: NAS
- Mash Bill: Presumed 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
- Release: 113 Series Limited Release
- MSRP: $65
CLICK THE VIDEO TO PLAY ↓
13th Colony Distilleries has built a reputation for taking familiar whiskey profiles and giving them a slightly different twist, especially with rye. Their 113 Series Maple Spiral-Finish Rye continues that trend, using maple wood spirals to influence the whiskey rather than relying on a traditional secondary-barrel finish. That distinction matters.
This does not come across like a maple syrup bomb or an overly sweet finished whiskey trying to cover up the rye underneath. Instead, the maple influence works more like an additional layer of wood and sweetness sitting alongside the earthy, spicy rye profile.
At 113 proof, this release brings enough weight and intensity to stand up to the added finishing influence while still letting the rye character lead the experience.
A Different Take on Finished Rye
Finished rye whiskey can be hit or miss. Too often, the finishing process overwhelms the spice and dryness that make rye interesting in the first place. The 113 Maple Spiral Finish Rye manages to avoid that trap.
This still drinks like a rye first. Pepper, mint, oak, and earthy grain notes stay present throughout, while the maple spirals soften some of the sharper edges and add a creamy sweetness that develops more as the glass opens up. What stood out most was how much this whiskey evolved.
The first few sips felt slightly awkward and overly woody. But after sitting in the glass for 10 to 15 minutes, the profile began to settle. The sweetness became more integrated, the spice softened slightly, and more caramel, cherry, and vanilla notes emerged.
It never fully leaves behind its earthy rye identity, but it becomes a much more balanced and enjoyable pour as it opens.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Very rye-forward immediately. Black pepper, mint, earthy oak, and dry wood lead the way, giving the nose a distinctly spicy and forest-like character. As the glass opens, sweeter notes begin to emerge beneath the spice. Vanilla, caramel, and cherry develop over time, adding a softer layer beneath the wood and pepper.
The maple influence feels subtle on the nose, with less syrupy sweetness and more additional wood character layered into the whiskey.
Taste
The mouthfeel is one of the best parts of this whiskey. Creamy, oily, and surprisingly smooth for 113 proof. Sweetness arrives first, with caramel, vanilla, and a maple-like richness, before the rye spice begins to build across the mid-palate.
Black pepper, baking spice, mint, and earthy wood notes follow, keeping the whiskey grounded firmly in rye territory. The maple spirals seem to soften the sharper edges of the rye without muting the profile completely. As the pour opens up, more cherry and caramel notes emerge, and the overall balance improves noticeably.
Finish
Medium-long with lingering rye spice, oak, and drying wood notes. The sweetness fades gradually, while black pepper and earthy oak linger on the finish. It evolves nicely over time, becoming creamier and more balanced as the glass sits, with the later pours delivering a much more complete experience than the neck pour suggested.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
7.5 / 10 - Good
13th Colony 113 Maple Spiral Finish Rye delivers something genuinely different without losing what makes rye whiskey enjoyable in the first place. The maple spiral finish adds texture, sweetness, and complexity rather than simply turning the whiskey into dessert. More importantly, it continues to evolve throughout the glass, improving significantly after a few minutes of air exposure.
At around $65, this feels like strong value for a limited, unique rye release that still remains approachable and highly drinkable. This is not a traditional rye purist’s pour, and bourbon drinkers looking for something ultra-sweet may still find it too earthy and spice-forward. But for drinkers who enjoy finished whiskey and want something a little different without completely abandoning rye character, this works surprisingly well.
A unique release. One we would absolutely revisit.
Related Reviews We Think You’ll Enjoy
Shop the Artfully Bourbon Mercantile
An Artfully Bourbon Gift Card lets your favorite whiskey lover pick exactly what they want, from shirts and hats to tasting notebooks and more. No guessing, no stress, just good taste made easy.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or the “I forgot to buy a gift” emergency.
Delivered digitally. Never expires.
