Rye Whiskey
 

Best Rye Whiskey

 

The Fifty Best Rye Whiskey Tasting 2023

 

The Tasting:
The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 33 rye whiskies with a panel of 10 judges. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. Strict tasting rules were applied. The rye whiskies were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at room temperature. Each of the whiskies were judged and scored separately. Only ice water, unflavored unsalted crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals were awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no Bronze medals awarded for this tasting. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award.

The tasting notes below are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The distilleries, states of origin, alcohol proofs and other tidbits are identified for each brand. Clicking on the brands' names will link to their websites.

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

King's Family Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey
Aged 6 yrs.

(IN / TN)  122° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, creamy,vanilla, demerara, dark brown sugar, powdered sugar, honey, toasted coconut, corn, walnut, roasted nuts, rye, white pepper, tannin.
Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, sugarcane, vanilla, cream, butter, kettle corn, orange, sweet ginger, sweet grain, nutty, rye, mint, clove, spicy, toasty, oak, rich in texture & taste, creamy, zesty.
Finish: Caramel, buttery, maple syrup, ripe banana, orange, clove, spice, peppery, dried leaves, oak, big & spicy, nice & spicy, well balanced, smooth, a winter sipper, delicious.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



King's Family Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey Aged 6 Years



Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey
(Aged & Bottled in NY & TN)  100° prf

Nose: Sweet toffee, chocolate, brown sugar, honey, ripe banana, green apple, citrus, light ginger, Grape Nuts cereal, barley, floral spice, perfumed, cinnamon, tarragon, buttery oak, fragrant.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, sweet chocolate, cocoa, butter, creamy vanilla, marzipan, honey, dried apricot, cherry, apple, grain, macadamia nut, nutmeg, spice, white pepper, peppery, oaked, well balanced, yumminess.
Finish: Terry’s milk chocolate orange, nougat, honey, dried apricot, apple, citrus, spicy, peppery, high note of avocado, soft, smooth, rich, elegant.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey
Finished in Cream Sherry Casks

(Calistoga Depot Distillery, CA)  93° prf

Nose: Caramel, milk chocolate, cocoa, cola, vanilla, honey, dried plum, sweet rye, pepper, cinnamon, mint, old vine, fresh wood, new wood, oak, toast, leather, soft.
Palate: Creamy caramel, butterscotch, nougat, demerara, brown sugar, dark sugar, cocoa, dried fruit, citrus, rich floral, dry herbal, mint, tobacco, grain, clove, cinnamon, spicy, black pepper, woody, oak, well balanced.
Finish: Caramel, cocoa, cocoa powder, vanilla, honey, cooked dates, orange, grain, spicy, bold, rich, flavorful, tasty.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Cream Sherry Casks



King's Family Distillery Ryeconic
Twice Barreled Straight Rye Whiskey

(IN / TN)  Aged 6 yrs, 10 months.   112.7° prf

Nose: Caramel, fire toasted crème brulee, cocoa cream, nougat, butter, cookie dough, honey, fermented honey, apricot, spearmint, sweet grain, fresh bread, nutty, sweet bourbon.
Palate: Vanilla, cocoa cream, whipped cream with caramel drizzle, creamy grain, manuka honey, orange blossom honey, orange, orange zest, lemon, red apple, ginger, mint, nutty, nutmeg, spicy, black pepper, black peppercorns, lightly toasted.
Finish: Lingering orange, ginger, grain, spicy, peppery, black pepper, dark rum, rye Boulevardier, a winter sipper, clean & fresh, soft, creamy, smooth.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



King's Family Distillery Ryeconic Twice Barreled Straight Rye Whiskey



GOLD MEDAL WINNERS


FEW Straight Rye Whiskey
(FEW Spirits, IL)
 93° prf

Nose: Butterscotch, cocoa, mocha, nougat, dark sugar, cooked honey, apricot, prune, Golden Delicious apple, dark licorice, wheat, rye bread with caraway, nutty, musty, piney, oaky.
Palate: Butterscotch, dark chocolate, mocha, nougat, dark sugar, honey, orange zest, orange blossom, ginger, fennel, wheat, rye, almond, roasted nuts, nuttiness, clove, cinnamon, spice, black pepper, woody, oak, spicy oak, sweet wine, supple, rich.
Finish: Nice toffee, caramel, nougat, sugarcane, honey, dried fig, ginger, mint, almonds, root, lingering spice, oak barrel, balanced, nice, rich.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



FEW Straight Rye Whiskey



Dented Brick Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey
Cabernet Barrel Finished

(UT)  90° prf.

Nose: Toffee, chocolate, molasses, buttercream frosting, honey, sweet corn, mint, clove, cashew, toasted corn nuts, oak, leather.
Palate: Kraft caramels, vanilla ice cream, vanilla bean, nougat, molasses, cane, candy corn, honey, orange peel, gingerbread, corn, rye, grain, fresh herbs, spice, black pepper, walnuts, nutty, toasty pine nuts, toasty, burnt toast, oaky, rich, creamy.
Finish: Creamy caramel, chocolate note, molasses, lingering honey, dried apricot, spice, nice heat, tasty.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Dented Brick Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey Cabernet Barrel Finished



Bespoken Spirits Rye Whiskey
(IN / S.F., CA)  Finished with twice toasted oak staves.  100° prf

Nose: Rich toffee, cocoa, molasses, sugarcane, classic rye, walnut, clove, cinnamon, cinnamon stick, rosemary, tobacco, pleather, oak, wooden house, pinot wine barrel, deep sherry.
Palate: Vanilla, buttery, cocoa, brown sugar, honey, candied ginger, hint of mint, cashew, roasted filberts, clove, cinnamon, spicy, pepper, smoke, palo santo, oak, port wine, bold.
Finish: Dark rum cane sugar, minty, cashew, clove, spicy, toasty, oak, clay, balanced, original, round, layered flavors, bold, tasty, great finish.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Bespoken Spirits Rye Whiskey



Alton Distillery New York Straight Rye Whiskey
(Bethel, NY)  Locally sourced grains.   94° prf.

Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, honey, ripe banana, apricot, stone fruit, raisin, aged grapes, ginger, wheat, grain, fermented sage, leather, woody, oak, oak staves, red wine, port.
Palate: Toffee, cocoa, cream, vanilla, molasses, brown sugar, dark sugar, honey, cooked apples, apricot, orange, citrus, ginger, mint, eucalyptus, dried leaves, rye, spicy, oak, sweet edge, everything in balance.
Finish: Dried apricot, apple, molasses, clove, nutmeg, spice, pepper, roasted nuts, toasty, leather, nice, smooth, brawny.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Alton Distillery New York Straight Rye Whiskey



Widow Jane Paradigm Rye
(Widow Jane Distillery, Brooklyn, NY)
Blend of straight rye whiskies aged in new American oak barrels.
93° prf

Nose: Light toffee, hint of cocoa, vanilla, cane sugar, honey, ripe banana, green apple, orange zest, Cheerios, dry grain, wheat stack in the wind, light spice, oak.
Palate: Butterscotch, nougat, chocolate, cream, vanilla, honey, dried apricot, dried fruit, cherry, banana peel, apple, star anise, orange, orange peel, grain, dried leaves, clove, nutmeg, sweet spice, spices, white pepper, buttery, oak, port, rich sherry, smooth.
Finish: Honey, apricot, orange, fruity, dried leaves, dusty, spicy, peppery, lingering pepper, wood, subtle oak, leather, cognac, clean, good for cocktails, unique, great.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Widow Jane Paradigm Rye



Dented Brick Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey
Bottled in Bond

(UT)  100° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate, dark chocolate, cocoa, butter, vanilla, sugarcane, brown sugar, powdered sugar, ripe banana, apple, red apple, bread, grain, ginger, spicy, leather.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, brown sugar, nougat, toasted marshmallows, buttery, vanilla, honey, dried apricot, green apple, orange, orange peel, citrus, toasted cereal, almond, nutty, clove, white pepper, spices, spicy oak, creamy.
Finish: Buttery, clove, spicy, layered, persistent, fresh, clean, smooth, creamy, tasty, pleasant, easy drinking, classic rye.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Dented Brick Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled in Bond



Red Line Straight Rye Whiskey
(Silent Brigade Distillery, KY)  Aged 5 yrs. Cask strength.  111° prf

Nose: Toffee, molasses, cocoa, nougat, vanilla, honey, banana, apple, creamy oatmeal, mixed grains, rye, ginger, faint mint, wet rocks, woody, oak.
Palate: Chocolate, vanilla, powdered sugar, honey, caramel apple, cooked apple, ripe banana, sweet corn, orange zest, citrus, grassy, tobacco leaves, strong rye, nutmeg, spicy, black pepper, leather, buttery, oak, Palo Santo, bold.
Finish: Stroopwafel, lingering honey, dried apricot, orange, citrus, dried leaves, woody, smooth, creamy, leather, tar, solid, rich.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Red Line Straight Rye Whiskey



FEW Immortal Rye Whiskey
(FEW Spirits, IL)  With cold extracted 8 Immortal Oolong Tea.  93° prf

Nose: Chocolate cream, brown sugar, honey, prune, dried fruit mix, floral, Townhouse crackers, toast, fresh nuttiness, cinnamon, talcum powder, musty, musk, black tar, tannins, aged wood, woody, oak.
Palate: Dark chocolate, vanilla, nougat, sugarcane, brown sugar, honey, raisin, plum, corn, lemon zest, citrus, anise, herbs, black tea, sorghum, nut, popcorn, clove, cinnamon, spice, peppery, oaky, rich, silky, easy drinking.
Finish: Vanilla, sugar, prune, ripe cherry, hint of apple, mint, black walnut, white pepper, spicy, rich, zesty, solid.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



FEW Immortal Rye Whiskey



Xplorer American Rye Whiskey
( Kilimanjaro Distillery, PA)  Aged 1 year.  80° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, caramel corn, brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade, black banana, red apple skin, lemon, fresh citrus, carnations, nutty, black pepper, tobacco leaf, new wood, woody, leather, musk.
Palate: Molasses, brown sugar, buttery, dried fruit, ripe banana, sweet honey, orange peel, lemon, citrus, minty, grain, cereal notes, nutty, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, Red Hots, Fireball, Jawbreaker, spiced cream, spice, leather, woody, nice roundness, smooth.
Finish: Apricot, nutty, hint of clove, cinnamon, Fireball, lingering black pepper, nice peppery finish, woody, well balanced, tasty, creamy, smooth, nice, gentle, mellow, elegant.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Xplorer American Rye Whiskey



Widow Jane Apple Wood Rye
(Widow Jane Distillery, Brooklyn, NY)  Blend of straight rye whiskies finished with toasted apple wood staves.  93° prf

Nose: Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, cream, honey, apricot, dried fruit, citrus, elderflower, herbal, rye, leather, tannin, applewood, oak.
Palate: Chocolate, cocoa, honey cream, honey, apricot, dried apricot, banana, banana bread, apple, lemon, bitter lime, orange zest, ginger, minty, rye, walnut, clove, cinnamon, spicy, black pepper, oak, butter, leather, rich.
Finish: Chocolate, honey, toast with apricot jam, citrus, spicy, clean, fresh, creamy, rich, elegant, flavorful, tasty, well done.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Widow Jane Apple Wood Rye



Fort Hamilton Rye Whiskey
Aged 5 years.

(Fort Hamilton Distillery, Brooklyn, NY)  90° prf

Nose: Toffee, dark chocolate, toasted brown sugar, vanilla, marshmallow, orange,lemon peel, ginger, wildflower pollen, sweet grains, rye, corn grain, sweet vinegar, cinnamon, spice, white pepper, leather, barley mash fumes.
Palate: Nougat, light cream, cocoa, sugarcane, honey, Honeycomb cereal, sweet pastry, light apricot, dried fig, licorice, allspice, clove, peppery, grassy, malt, leather, earth, old dry oak, woody, balanced flavors, creamy, rich.
Finish: Toffee, deep chocolate, nougat, walnut, clove, allspice, spicy, smoky, woody, beautiful sweet finish, nice, smooth, very rich, tasty.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Fort Hamilton Rye Whiskey Aged 5 years



Prosperous & Penniless Rye Malt Whiskey
(Calistoga Depot Distillery, CA)
Finished in Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels.   89.2° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, red apple, green apple, yellow plum, dried stone fruit, dried fruit, ginger, cornflakes, cereal, rye, grain, cinnamon, grassy, pine cone, new wood, oaky.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, cocoa, brown sugar, rich maple, vanilla, honey, red apple, orange zest, dry citrus, licorice, grain, toast, sweet nuttiness, cinnamon, spice, dried leaves, oak, woody, creamy, smooth, very approachable, easy drinking.
Finish: Caramel, burnt caramel, lingering orange peel, French toast, toast, bread, nuttiness, clove, sweet spice, complex, rich, easy drinking, very tasty.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Prosperous & Penniless Rye Malt Whiskey



Axe and the Oak Distillery Incline Rye Whiskey
(Colorado Springs, CO)  Aged 3 yrs.  98° prf

Nose: Caramel, nougat, toasted brown sugar, honey, apple, citrus, dried fruit, nutty, grain, good moldy notes, leather, pine, oak, spicy oak.
Palate: Sweet toffee, vanilla, Juicy Juice, apricots, orange peel, Orange Crush with cereal, Alpha Bits sans marshmallow, honeysuckle, floral, herbal, soft mint, rye toast, black pepper, spiciness, leather, oak, buttery, creamy mouthfeel.
Finish: Sweet sugarcane, honey, apricot, citrus, sweet beer, wheat, grain, minty, balanced, bold, nice & round, creamy, pleasant, easy drinking, beautiful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Axe and the Oak Distillery Incline Rye Whiskey



Nashville Barrel Company Straight Rye Whiskey
Cask Strength

(TN)  Distilled in Indiana. Aged 7 years.  110.09° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, Baker’s chocolate, molasses, burnt sugar, brown sugar, buttery, vanilla, honey, marzipan, raisin, banana peel, apple, green cut grass, light rye grain, cinnamon, peat, cedar, oak, heavy char, rich.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, cream, vanilla, coconut, raisin, apricot, orange, herbaceous, mint, rye, allspice, spices, sweet spice, pepper, peat, smoky, heavy char, barrel, wild bark, woody, oak, bold, silky, succulent.
Finish: Caramel, treacle, vanilla, mint, slight anise, allspice, lingering spice, peppery, tobacco hints, stone, musty, woodsy, bold, rich, tasty, perfect.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Nashville Barrel Company Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey
Finished in Angelica Casks

(Calistoga Depot Distillery, CA)  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, honey, sweet cherry, pinot grapes, apple, dried fruit, peppermint, grain, toasted grain, walnut, roasted nuts, clove, fresh wood, oak, wine barrel, smoky, soft.
Palate: Caramel, cocoa, vanilla, banana, grain, sweet grain, toast, black walnut, nutty, herbs, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, spice, leather, root, earthy, oak, rich, zesty, creamy.
Finish: Lingering honey, buttery, grain, cereal, spicy cardamom, spice forward, peppery, root, soft, rich, flavorful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Angelica Casks



SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

High Peaks Landrace Empire Rye Straight Rye Whiskey
(Lake George, NY)  84° prf

Nose: Toffee, sugarcane, cocoa, buttery, vanilla, malted grain, barley, dill, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, Indian spices, leather, woody, new wood, soft.
Palate: Caramel, cocoa, buttery, vanilla, clover honey, dried apricot, anise, mint, walnuts, deep coffee, clove, scented Halloween cinnamon broom, white pepper, black pepper, spicy, leather, toasty, dry oak, creamy mouthfeel, zesty.
Finish: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, orange peel, peppery, spicy burst, mineral, musty, some char, oaky, clean, easy drinking.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



High Peaks Landrace Empire Rye Straight Rye Whiskey



BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey
(Balthazar Rex, VT)  60% Rye, 30% Calvados, 10% Armagnac.
100° prf

Nose: Chocolate, cola, café au lait, honey, ripe banana, apricot, dried apricot, apple, buckwheat pancakes with butter, grain, warm spices, leather.
Palate: Toffee, nougat, creamy, vanilla, cola, honey, dried apricot, dried figs, citrus, mint, celery, shell, waffle cone, walnuts, sweet nuttiness, roasted mixed nuts, coriander, warm spices, spicy, oak, sharp woodiness, creamy mouthfeel, dessert, rich.
Finish: Toffee, caramel lined waffle cone, nougat, hint of cocoa, dried figs, lemony, creamy spice, peppery, root, oak, buttery, creamy, rich, plush, great.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



BHAKTA 1928 Straight Rye Whiskey



Ammunition Straight Rye Whiskey
Finished in Pinot Noir Barrels

(Daylight Wine & Spirits, Sonoma County, CA)  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, molasses, light nougat, vanilla, honey, red cherry, ripe banana, bergamot, lemon zest, citrus, flowery, dill, grain, rosewood, hint of cedar wood, woody.
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, honey, apricot, dried fruit, orange zest, lemon, floral notes, herbal, mint, anise, grassy, clove, allspice, sweet spice, pepper, black pepper, cereal, leather, woodsy, fresh cut oak, smooth, zesty, rich.
Finish: Caramel, vanilla, honey, lingering orange, orange blossom, mint, spicy, peppery, leather, toast, oak, clean, fresh, nice, big, zesty, rich, tasty.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Ammunition Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Pinot Noir Barrels



Leatherwood Distillery Check Point Rye Whiskey
(TN)  113.1° prf

Nose: Toffee, dusty cocoa, marzipan,vanilla, sweet cream, creamy, honey, honeysuckle,sweet apple, banana, orange, green apple, almond, toasted whole wheat, warm spices, oak, sweet oak.
Palate: Vanilla, marzipan, orange chocolate, orange, honey, dried fruit, melon, citrus, red apple skin, ginger, grain, toasted bread, walnut, olive oil, spicy, black pepper, hint of peaty-ness, woody, oak, nicely balanced, zesty, rich.
Finish: Ginger, orange skin, wheat, toast, spicy, lingering sweetness & spice, earthy smokiness, balanced alcohol, tastes like Christmas, rich, zesty.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Leatherwood Distillery Check Point Rye Whiskey



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength
(Calistoga Depot Distillery, CA)  121° prf

Nose: Toffee, caramel, cocoa, warm cocoa, creamy, vanilla, honey, orange candy, lemon, minty, fresh baked biscuits, roasted nuts, light spice, new birch wood, oak.
Palate: Butterscotch, mixed fruits, rich orange, melon, sweet grains, ginger, walnut, dry pecans, cinnamon, pink peppercorns, black pepper, hot pepper, peppery, wood, oak, scotch-like, zesty.
Finish: Nougat, grain, spice, pink peppercorns, black pepper, peppery, earthiness, woody, fresh, persistent, big, amazingly easy drinking.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength



Defiant Rye Whisky
(Blue Ridge Distilling Co., NC)  100% rye.  90° prf

Nose: Nougat, ripe banana, dried banana, dried fruit & nuts, grapes, black olives, sour dough, grain, rye flour, rye, allspice, smoky BBQ pork, earth, wood barrel, new wood cask, oak.
Palate: Butterscotch, maple, buttery, vanilla, Maraschino cherries, dried dark fruit, plantain, grain, wheat, rye, rye toast, walnut, nutmeg, sweet spice, meaty, earth, stone, woody, oaky.
Finish: Mocha, dark sugar, grain, brine, wet rocks, toasty, oak, old wine, Armagnac, soft, tasty.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Defiant Rye Whisky



New Basin Distilling Resignation Straight Rye Whiskey
(OR)  Aged 3-1/2 years.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, cocoa, vanilla, buttery, cream, maple, Frosted Flakes, oatmeal, grain, rye, dark cherry, dried banana, citrus, eucalyptus, grassy, cinnamon, some toastiness, woody, fresh cut pine, oak.
Palate: Caramel, dark chocolate, buttery, honey, orange blossom honey, dates, dried banana, ripe cherry, sweet nuttiness, grain, rye, rye flour, rye bread, white pepper, black pepper, earthy, root, tannin, smoky, charred new wood, oak, bittersweet, hearty, robust.
Finish: Caramel, Frosted Flakes, cereal, walnut, almond, nutty, allspice, spicy, dry wood, smooth, easy drinking, creamy, rich.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



New Basin Distilling Resignation Straight Rye Whiskey



Brother’s Bond American Blended Rye Whiskey
(Brother’s Bond Distilling Company, OH)  Distilled in Indiana.
Four-grain, 77% rye.  95° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, buttery, vanilla, honey, baked apple, hints of orange candy, ripe corn, walnuts, strong rye grain, nutmeg, spices, fresh wood, new pine, oaky.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, vanilla, honey, pecan pie, dried apricot, green apple, tea leaves, almond, nutty, malt, rye, toast, spicy, pepper, white pepper, black pepper, leather, oak, cognac notes, sherry, sharp bite, high proof, big, rich, classic rye.
Finish: Vanilla, white chocolate café, coconut ice, dried apricot, citrus, toasty bread, cereal, malty, nutty, nutmeg, spicy, peppery, black pepper, earthy, woody, oaky, bold, powerful, nice, creamy.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Brother’s Bond American Blended Rye Whiskey



Mersey Craft Spirits Straight Rye Whiskey
(FA Poole & Co. Distillers, AL)  91° prf

Nose: Nougat, burnt sugar, buttery, vanilla, cherry, apple, grain, toasted grain, roasted nuts, nutty, walnut, cinnamon, cider vinegar, wet leather, oak, sherry, muscat.
Palate: Vanilla, honey, dried fruit, mixed ripe fruit, hint of banana, creamed corn, pecans, nutty, anise, dill, ginger, nutmeg, peppery, oaky, spice, spicy, zesty, toasty, smoke, velvety, creamy, rich.
Finish: Caramel, brown sugar, roasted charred pepper, clove, spicy, zesty, creamy, smooth, soft, delicate, bright, tasty, pretty, elegant.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Mersey Craft Spirits Straight Rye Whiskey



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey
Finished in Port Casks

(Calistoga Depot Distillery, CA)  96° prf

Nose: Caramel, bittersweet chocolate, deep molasses, brown sugar, sugarcane, nougat, vanilla, honey, plum, red berries, red apple, light citrus, ginger, cinnamon, rye spice, toasted bread, burnt toast, wet wood, ripe, zesty.
Palate: Toffee, rich cane sugar, dark sugar, sweet corn, ripe banana, orange peel, herbs, mint, eucalyptus, root, rye, grain, Cheerios, nutty, clove, black pepper, spicy, oak, raw oak, wine barrel, classic port, extremely smooth.
Finish: Berries, apple, orange, nuttiness, walnut shells, cinnamon, spicy, black pepper, touch of oak, nice sherry, big, layered, clean, fresh, rich, tasty.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Fame & Misfortune Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Port Casks



Goodwood Straight Rye Whiskey
(Goodwood Brewing & Spirits, IN/KY)  Aged 2 years in new oak
and a minimum of 30 days in English beer barrels.  90° prf

Nose: Dark cocoa, cola, nougat, creamy vanilla, maple, honey, apricot, banana, green apple, orange peel, bergamot, sage, clove, spicy, grain, woodsy, new wood, fresh oak.
Palate: Cooked toffee,vanilla, cherry, dried apricot, fruit candy, orange peel, sweet grain, toasted cereal, toast, walnut, nutty, mint, anise, slightly floral, grassy, tobacco leaves, clove, spicy, buttery, oak.
Finish: Nice toffee, clove, spice, pepper, dried leaves, leather, toast, wood, clean, bright, soft, easy dinking.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Goodwood Straight Rye Whiskey

 


 


The Rye Whiskey Revival

 

Historically, rye whiskey was the favored grain of the East Coast. George Washington even had the largest rye whiskey distillery in early America on his Virginia estate. By the 1780s, around 5,000 log still houses were operating in Pennsylvania and Maryland producing the whiskey that came to be known as “rye”. Mostly by German immigrants that had been using rye in the production of schnapps and vodka back in northern Europe.

Two different styles of rye whiskey developed during the colonial era: Pennsylvania or Monongahela-style, and Maryland-style rye. Since the bulk transportation of large amounts of grain was not practical during this era, the distillers made whiskey from the grain grown on their farm or from grains grown nearby. Corn was not generally native north of the southern edge of Pennsylvania; so the distillers made rye whiskey with no corn in it. Monongahela Rye was known for its ultra-high rye content and its full-bodied and spicy nature. Distillers operating in the southern part of America made Maryland style rye, a mixture of rye with some corn. The rye content in Maryland style rye tended to be about 65%, and it was notably sweeter and more mellow than its northern cousin.

Since the still was essentially a piece of farm equipment, it should be no surprise that by the late 1700’s, there were literally thousands of small grain distilleries each in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. It is estimated that there were between 14,000 and 20,000 distilleries operating in the United States between 1810 and 1840. Rye was the most prevalent grain in colonial America. It was considerably more hardy than barley, and much easier to grow. Corn, or maize, was native to America, but only south of the Mason-Dixon line, and most of the population was to the north.

While the center of population in the United States remained east of the Appalachian Mountains, rye whiskey flourished. Shipping routes in the east favored rye whiskey over its cousin from Kentucky. The only major shipping routes for bourbon were down the river to New Orleans or overland through the mountains. As such, rye whiskey was the main style of whiskey consumed in the United States from the end of the Civil War until prohibition.

Back in the 1880’s, saloons were all the rage. There were thousands of them in the old American west. Much of the liquor sold were pretty mean homemade concoctions called rotgut or Firewater, (sometimes made with raw alcohol, burnt sugar and a little chewing tobacco), but the majority of saloons “imported” rye whiskeys from the Eastern states for their regular customers. Rye was not sold in "shots". It was sold in a small glass which normally held a gill (4 ounces) and cost a nickel. This price could be much higher in cities or for big name brand liquors. For example, a good quality bottle of rye whiskey in a nice hotel might be as much as $2 dollars. Rye was usually served straight, but the distinctive flavor made it a perfect mixer during the early years of the cocktail. Three of the most popular classic cocktails were originally created for rye whiskey — the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan & the Sazerac.

Before the Prohibition, there were over 50 brands of rye. When Prohibition outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in 1920, many enterprising residents of small towns across America chose to become outlaws – They produced thousands of kegs per month, supplying Al Capone and other gangs who in turn filled the demand of speakeasies throughout Chicago, New York and all the way west to San Francisco.

By the time Prohibition ended, most American whiskey distilleries had ceased production. The few that existed were put at a massive competitive disadvantage to imported aged spirits. Boatloads of well-aged Scotch and Irish whiskies were waiting offshore in the northeast, truckloads of aged Canadian Whiskey were waiting to cross the border from Canada and ships full of mature rum were waiting in the Caribbean. The astute American distiller quickly realized that when getting back into the business, they would not be able to compete on quality, so they would have to compete on price.

The bourbon distilleries in Kentucky were better situated to build large facilities to garner economy of scale. There was plenty of land and a very well-developed rail system. Conversely, most of the rye distilleries in the east were on small farm plots with poor infrastructure and were not well funded. Additionally, the first farm subsidy bill supported corn but not rye. As a result, it was reborn in 2006. For the first time in 87 years, modern pioneers across the country dusted off old family records, recreating great grandpa's handed-down recipes and started producing rye whiskies deeply rooted in tradition. A decade ago in this country there were only six brands of rye. Now you can find over 650 brands, and rye whiskey has once again become one of the most popular go-to craft spirits.

Rye whiskey is made from fermented mashed grain that is at least 51% rye grain by law, sometimes with barley, corn and other grains blended in. Many of the newer, small-batch brands use 100% rye. Ryes must be distilled at less than 80% ABV (160 proof), and aged in new, charred oak barrels, used one-time only. Ryes labeled as "straight" must be aged for at least two years.

Rye whiskies are typically dry, peppery, and grainy, with complex flavors bursting with fruit, walnuts, and spice. This distinctly bold assertive character is embraced by a dedicated and continuously growing following of discerning whiskey fans.

 

 

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