Orlando Whiskey Alliance
A bottle of Rye Fidelity by Broad Branch Distillery

A Year In The Making - OWA's Broad Branch "Rye Fidelity" Pick

After trying Broad Branch Distillery's rye, OWA knew we wanted a barrel of our own. Discover the year-long story behind the selection of Barrel #223 - an 8-year-old, 139-proof single barrel from Winston-Salem, NC coming exclusively to Florida this summer.

O
OWA Team

The Introduction

One of our good friends Kris, who leads another group, announced in mid-2025 that his group had a premium barrel pick coming up with an unfamiliar name in Broad Branch, based in Winston-Salem, NC. But he also said privately there was another barrel they regrettably had to pass on... a 159-proof rye finished in an STR (Shaved, Toasted, and Re-charred) ex-red wine barrel. This just sounded... different.

After some effort, we finally were able to source a couple bottles of it, after another group had picked that barrel. Upon first sip, we knew this rye was special. We decided right then and there that OWA needed in on Broad Branch and its rye.

Broad Branch Distillery storefront at night with illuminated glass doors and copper distilling tanks
Exterior of Broad Branch Distillery lit up at night

Backstory of Broad Branch

Our friend connected us with one of the managing partners, Natalie Spinosa, who is the daughter of the original founder, John Fragakis. Along with her sister and co-managing partner, Anna Windham, together they run the Broad Branch Distillery. Founded in 2013 and located in the Arts District of Winston-Salem, Broad Branch has focused on using old-world distillation techniques and custom fermentation protocols to create a true craft, grain-to-glass product.

They use heritage heirloom corn varietals and source Washington State heirloom grain for their rye, which they call "Rye Fidelity" in their 100% rye mashbill offering. And at cask strength, the majority of their single barrels are at or above the 140-proof "hazmat" level!

Broad Branch Distillery outdoor patio with barrel tables and metal stools along the wood-paneled storefront
Outdoor tasting area at Broad Branch Distillery

Relationships Matter

It's important to call out and paraphrase what Natalie said towards the end of the pick process. She said that "we only want to work with OWA for the Florida market for now due to how difficult distribution can be to set up with some states". And that we only got this opportunity "due really to our relationship with Kris and his introducing us to OWA, who we have loved working with since the start". Simply put, relationships matter.

The Orlando Whiskey Alliance Rye Fidelity 139 Proof Single Barrel
The Orlando Whiskey Alliance Rye Fidelity 139 Proof Single Barrel

The Pick

Barrel #223 took some time to find, as we went through two rounds of sampling. But it stands out, once you take the time to sit down and truly enjoy it. It is a 100% Washington (state) rye mashbill in an ISC Char-4 New American Oak barrel. It officially turned 8 years old the day after Independence Day, in which shortly thereafter the barrel was dumped and bottled.

This Rye Fidelity barrel absolutely sings of candied orange and milk chocolate flavors once you dig into it. Given its near-hazmat level proof-point, it's funny to say it's a great summer pour. But with those dark and sugary citrus notes, it absolutely is!

With a roughly 170-bottle yield and just at 139-proof, this will be a monster summer 2026 release for OWA. But it's been a year in the making since first discovering Broad Branch to get to this point today. And what we do know is when it arrives... that it will be special. We hope you think and enjoy it just the same as we have when you finally get the chance.