State Line Distillery releases its long-awaited five-year Rye Whiskey — a small-batch, tasting-room-exclusive spirit crafted by founder and head distiller John Mleziva in Madison, Wisconsin.
After five years of patient aging, State Line Distillery has unveiled its most anticipated release yet: a limited-edition five-year Rye Whiskey, available only at the distillery’s tasting room in Madison, Wisconsin.
State Line Distillery Unveils Limited Five-Year Rye Whiskey
This milestone expression embodies founder and head distiller John Mleziva’s deep passion for traditional whiskey-making — a craft honed at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, where he earned a Master of Science in Brewing & Distilling.
“Whiskey has always been my true passion,”
John Mleziva
founder of State Line Distillery.
“While we’re proud of our entire portfolio, this five-year rye reflects the lessons I learned in Scotland and everything I love about distilling.”
A Five-Year Journey in Every Bottle
This five-year Rye Whiskey represents more than half a decade of patience and precision. Aged in charred oak barrels since the distillery’s earliest days, it tells the story of State Line’s evolution from local startup to a respected Wisconsin craft distiller.
Each bottle captures a commitment to quality over speed — a rarity in an industry often driven by rapid releases.
Key Highlights:
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Five years of aging, reflecting a traditional whiskey timeline
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Heritage grains sourced from Wisconsin’s Driftless Region
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Grain-to-glass production, distilled and bottled entirely in-house
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Exclusive release, available only in Madison
Tasting Room Exclusive Experience
Unlike State Line’s other award-winning spirits — which are available online in 38 states — the five-year Rye Whiskey will be sold exclusively in-person at the Madison tasting room.
This approach, Mleziva explains, is intentional:
“We want people to come to Madison,
taste this whiskey in our tasting room,
and understand the care that went into every step,”
Mleziva.
“This isn’t a product you can just click and buy. It’s something you need to experience.”
The release offers whiskey enthusiasts a rare opportunity to taste the spirit where it was crafted, surrounded by the people and place that brought it to life.
Due to limited supply, bottles are expected to sell out quickly. Visitors can also sample State Line’s award-winning Coffee Liqueur — winner of Double Gold and Best in Class at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — along with the distillery’s vodka, gin, rum, aquavit, and aperitivo.
For hours and visitor information, visit statelinedistillery.com.
About State Line Distillery
Founded by John Mleziva, State Line Distillery is a grain-to-glass craft distillery located in Madison, Wisconsin. Mleziva sources grains from the Driftless Region, one of the state’s most fertile agricultural areas, to produce spirits that reflect Wisconsin’s terroir and tradition.
State Line’s portfolio includes award-winning products such as:
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Coffee Liqueur (Double Gold, Best in Class – San Francisco World Spirits Competition)
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Gin, Vodka, Rum, Aquavit, and Aperitivo, all crafted in-house using traditional methods.
With a focus on local sourcing, sustainable production, and craftsmanship rooted in heritage, State Line Distillery continues to elevate Wisconsin’s place in the American spirits landscape.
Learn more at www.statelinedistillery.com.
Visit. Taste. Experience.
The five-year Rye Whiskey marks a new chapter for State Line Distillery — one that celebrates patience, provenance, and passion in equal measure.
This is not just a bottle to buy. It’s a journey to taste, a story to share, and a whiskey to remember.
State Line Distillery
1413 Northern Ct, Madison, WI 53703
Visit statelinedistillery.com for tasting room hours.
