Sips & Sites & Bites

There’s something a little thrilling about sipping whiskey before it’s had time to nap in a barrel. It’s like meeting a musician at an open mic before they hit the big stage … you get all the raw energy, none of the polish, and a front-row seat to potential in the making. That’s the spirit (literally) behind the newest release from TX Whiskey: Unaged Rye Bourbon White Dog, the 14th entry in their Experimental Series.

This White Dog will be as bold as the Texas summer heat. Bottled at a robust 120 proof (that’s 60% ABV for those keeping score), it’s made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. Without the smoothing effect of oak, what you get is whiskey in its purest, grain-forward form … fiery, unfiltered, and a little wild.

The nose comes alive with notes you don’t often hear about in bourbon: sassafras, warm clove, fresh corn husk, and even a touch of ripe banana. On the palate, it starts off punchy … think licorice and allspice … before mellowing into a malty sweetness that lingers with a spiced, fruity finish. It’s a sensory ride that reminds you whiskey isn’t just about aging … it’s about the artistry happening long before the barrel ever enters the picture.

Head Blender Craig Blair calls this release a “different story” from last year’s Unaged Wheated Bourbon White Dog. The big twist? The yeast. Instead of TX’s proprietary strain, which tends to lean dark and fruity, this batch uses a commercial yeast strain that lets the rye grain take center stage. The result: drier, spicier, and a whole lot more attitude.

And that’s part of the fun of White Dog. These releases give drinkers a rare peek behind the curtain … how subtle shifts in grain or yeast can transform a spirit’s identity. You’re not just drinking; you’re studying whiskey DNA.

But let’s not get too academic, because at the end of the day, this is still a pour meant to be enjoyed. Only 1,350 bottles are being released, available exclusively at Whiskey Ranch in Fort Worth starting Friday, August 23rd. At $39.99 for a 375ml bottle, it’s a chance to take home a raw, unpolished piece of Texas whiskey history.

Whether you sip it neat, drop in an ice cube, or just marvel at its unapologetic punch, this White Dog is proof that sometimes the most exciting part of the story happens before the barrel ever joins the conversation.