Rating 92
Style
American Whiskey
Whiskey
Produced In United States
ABV 46%
Availability Year Round
Price $59.00 
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2026-10-06

Ampersand Vinea Review

While not exactly a rye according to the U.S. government, we’re going to let it slide because we like what master distiller Chip Tate is doing too much. Coming out of Nevada, this is a unique blend of 75 percent 8-year-old rye and 25 percent Cognac-finished 9-year-old grain neutral spirit. It sounds odd, but it somehow works. It is not surprisingly fruity, with lots of grape and orchard fruit notes. But there’s a ton of spice as well, both from the rye and French oak finishing casks.

As of 2024, VinePair no longer participates in any affiliate programs. All links included in our content are as a convenience to our readers, not for earning commission — we receive no monetary value from them. Learn more about our tastings & review department here!

Related Reads

Learn About Rye

· Rye 101

· Our always updated list of our best rated Rye brands!

Related Ampersand Reviews

Ampersand Opimus

Ampersand Opimus:
You surely won’t find a more unusual bourbon on this entire list. Start with what is rumored to be sourced “BuffTurkey” distillate ...

Related Rye Reviews

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength:
This blend of four to seven year old ryes checks in with a mash bill of 92 percent rye and a bottling proof of 115.4, making for a quite ...

Lost Lantern Wild Woodland George Dickel

Lost Lantern Wild Woodland George Dickel:
While independent bottler Lost Lantern usually only deals in off-the-beaten-path craft distilleries, their newest collection is exclusively ...

R.D.R Neeley Sweet Thumped Rye Whiskey

R.D.R Neeley Sweet Thumped Rye Whiskey:
This rye is sweeter than most and perhaps that’s thanks to 11th generation distiller Royce Neeley’s production methods, which include a ...

Featured Rye Articles

The Mount Rushmore of Rye, According to 7 Whiskey Experts

The Mount Rushmore of Rye, According to 7 Whiskey Experts:
VinePair tapped seven of whiskey's most experienced sippers to discover which rye bottles are on their personal Mount Rushmores.

How Foursquare Rum Casks Became the Ultimate Whiskey Finishing Vessel

How Foursquare Rum Casks Became the Ultimate Whiskey Finishing Vessel:
In many recent cases, Foursquare gets the same billing on product labels as the whiskey brands finishing their products in the rum casks.

The Bourbon Trail’s Best Kept Secret? World-Class Cocktails at Distillery Bars

The Bourbon Trail’s Best Kept Secret? World-Class Cocktails at Distillery Bars:
We're entering a new era where distillery tasting rooms are no longer mere sampling spots but destinations for world-class mixed drinks.

All of the Best Whiskeys to Drink in 2024

All of the Best Whiskeys to Drink in 2024:
From single malt to single barrel, barrel proof to cask finished, these are the best whiskeys to drink in 2024.

92
POINTS
Ampersand Vinea
While not exactly a rye according to the U.S. government, we’re going to let it slide because we like what master distiller Chip Tate is doing too much. Coming out of Nevada, this is a unique blend of 75 percent 8-year-old rye and 25 percent Cognac-finished 9-year-old grain neutral spirit. It sounds odd, but it somehow works. It is not surprisingly fruity, with lots of grape and orchard fruit notes. But there’s a ton of spice as well, both from the rye and French oak finishing casks.

Reviewed On: 10-06-2026
92
POINTS
Ampersand Vinea
While not exactly a rye according to the U.S. government, we’re going to let it slide because we like what master distiller Chip Tate is doing too much. Coming out of Nevada, this is a unique blend of 75 percent 8-year-old rye and 25 percent Cognac-finished 9-year-old grain neutral spirit. It sounds odd, but it somehow works. It is not surprisingly fruity, with lots of grape and orchard fruit notes. But there’s a ton of spice as well, both from the rye and French oak finishing casks.

Reviewed On: 10-06-2026