# Brooklyn-Based Rye Expressions Kings County Distillery Launches the Straight Empire Rye By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-08-14 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straight-empire-rye References: [bevnet](https://www.bevnet.com/pr/2025/08/14/kings-county-distillery-announces-new-flagship-offering-adding-straight-empire-rye-to-their-core-portfolio)  [Kings County Distillery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-coffee-whisky) has introduced a significant addition to its core whiskey lineup with the launch of Straight Empire Rye. The debut of this offering marks the first time the Brooklyn-based producer has been able to offer a [rye expression](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/special-releases) as a permanent flagship rather than a [limited release](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/state-line-distillery). The Straight Empire Rye is a 90-proof whiskey that is positioned as a deliberate effort to reconnect with New York's historical rye whiskey tradition. The expression utilizes an 80% Danko rye mashbill sourced from Ancramdale, New York, complemented by 20% English malted barley. The production process emphasizes regional authenticity through double pot distillation and a minimum three-year aging period in charred oak barrels. Kings County Distillery also marks its spirit with the Empire Rye insignia — a certification established by New York distillers in 2017 — that further validates its regional provenance and craft production standards. Image Credit: Kings County Distillery ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 47% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Regional Revival:** The resurgence of locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods in whiskey production represents a shift towards celebrating regional authenticity. - **Empire Rye Certification:** The adoption and promotion of the Empire Rye certification underscores a growing trend in establishing niche industry standards to guarantee quality and regional identity. - **Full-time Rye Offerings:** The move from limited releases to permanent rye whiskey offerings indicates a trend towards meeting sustained consumer interest and demand for classic spirit types. ### Who This Affects Most - **Craft Distilling:** Craft distilleries are finding unique opportunities in revitalizing historical spirits, promoting regional ingredients, and creating certifications to differentiate products. - **Agriculture and Farming:** Sourcing local grains for distilling boosts the agricultural sector, offering a platform for innovative partnerships with regional farmers. - **Barrel Aging Technology:** The emphasis on aging processes is energizing innovations in barrel production and treatment technologies to enhance spirit maturation quality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heirloom Corn Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokeye-hill-rye-whiskey.md) - [Unblended High-Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spirit-hound-distillers.md) - [Spicy Premium Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redemption.md) - [Craft Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straight-rye-whiskey.md) - [Flavorful Straight Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kintsugi-sugarlands-distilling-company.md) - [Straight Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/straight-rye-whiskeys.md) - [Complex Batch Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redwood-empire.md) - [Small-Batch Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smallbatch-rye-whiskey.md) - [Vermont-Made Rye Whiskeys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phyllis-rye.md)