The Compromise by NBC & Nashtucky — #16 Fred Minnick 2025

NBC & Nashtucky · 50/50 Bourbon & Rye Blend

The Compromise is exactly what the name suggests: a meeting point between the two great styles of American whiskey. Rather than choosing between bourbon’s caramel richness and rye’s spicy backbone, NBC and Nashtucky blended them in equal parts — 50/50 — at full cask strength with no proofing down and no chill filtration.

The Tasting Profile

• Nose: Aged oak, supple leather, rye bread, sweet and spiced notes — both components working together
• Palate: Bold spice from the rye — charred oak, cinnamon toast, dark fruit, pepper
• Finish: Charred oak, rye spice, dried apple, leather, lingering dry spice. Long and assertive

The Bourbon Component

The bourbon half comes from NBC’s Grateful Kelvin program — 9yr MGP Indiana using the 60/36/4 high-rye mashbill aged in Kelvin cooperage. The 36% rye bridges the gap between both halves, creating a more seamless blend than a standard high-corn bourbon would produce.

The Rye Component

A 7yr Kentucky straight rye from Nashtucky — 100% rye mashbill, Kentucky distilled. At 7 years, the pepper and herbal notes are rounded and the dried fruit complexity adds depth without aggression.