Cream of Kentucky, led by master distiller Jim Rutledge, will release a straight rye whiskey, due to hit shelves in February.

The legendary distiller, who helped re-launch the heritage brand in 2018, has released five small batch whiskeys and one single barrel. Cream of Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond will be the first rye under the revived brand.

The new release is mashed with 100 percent “estate” grown Rymin rye, and distilled, aged and bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, Ky. Limited to only 70 barrels, this Kentucky rye whiskey marks a one-of-a-kind release for Cream of Kentucky.

Cream of Kentucky Straight Rye will be Rutledge’s second rye whiskey. After decades of using his skills to create award-winning bourbons, in 2021 Rutledge launched High Plains Rye. It was well received and later named among the top 100 American Whiskies of the Year by Fred Minnick.

Cream of Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is six years-old and 100 proof. It will be available in select markets across the United States with a suggested retail price of $69.99.