Rye Whiskey

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
52% ABV
$59.99
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
On a quest to create a versatile and robust Rye that shines as well in cocktails as it does on its own, the Russells carefully selected only the best barrels primarily from the “center cut” locations (levels 3 – 5) of the rick houses for their newest creation. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye is not chilled-filtered to capture all the flavor rye provides. Rich caramel in color, this single barrel release offers a balance of spicy pepper, vanilla and caramel on the nose and palate.

“Jimmy and I have always been passionate about Rye – it’s why our Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve expressions all have that spicy kick – and why we’ve also had a staple of Rye Whiskey in our portfolio for decades,” said Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “We know bartenders love to experiment with Rye, but what’s equally exciting is seeing the uptick in consumer interest. I’m having just as many conversations in the global marketplace about our Rye offerings as I am about our Bourbon offerings.”

Since the start of his career, Eddie has studied mixology’s influence on the rapidly growing Bourbon industry. After seeing a renewed interest in classic cocktails like Boulevardiers, Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Sazeracs, all of which call for Rye, Eddie anticipated there would be an increased demand for Bourbon’s spicy cousin. Today, the Whiskey industry teeters on the cusp of a full tilt Rye revival and Jimmy and Eddie are leading as they always have, with their new release of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Bright (but rich) wintergreen spice with sweet oak.
Palate: Soft/rich mouthfeel, but rye snap, peppermint spice and cloves.
Finish: Moderately long, and softens near the end.
Comments: I really like Wild Turkey’s 101 Proof Rye (I’ll politely leave out my thoughts on the 81 proof rye), and this is absolutely a cut above that. I love how rich the mouthfeel on this whiskey is (thank you for not chill-filtering this one!), while still delivering that rye flavor kick. As a single barrel product, there’s always some risk of variability. I do really wish they had an age statement. If I had to guess, I’d say it is 5 to 6 yrs old. My knee-jerk reaction was that this seems priced a bit high, but as I scanned the shelves for comparable ryes that are less dough – I didn’t see much to be had. The Wild Turkey 101 Proof Rye might be $15 less (and for a 1 liter bottle; so call it $20 less?), but the lack of chill filtering on these along with a couple proof points (and probably a couple of years of age) probably justify the lift. If you like that sorta thing (and if you are generally a fan of rye whiskey, I think you likely will!)
Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: Heavy and dripping with minty and herbal rye goodness layered over a bed of wet pine needles. This is no near bourbon rye nose.
Palate: This one give a quick punch the mouth. It’s not as overly mellow as the original Russel’s Reserve Rye was when it was release several years ago. Minty, big doses of backing spices, and delicious caramel sweetness.
Finish: There is lingering herbal and oak note that seems to stick around for quite a while.
Comments: I’m torn. I really am. Maybe I’m just a Luddite that just can’t move past the pricing and availability of yore. Although, I’m still in my thirties so “yore” is like only 10 to 15 years ago. Still, as good as this is, and it is VERY good, for sixty bucks this may be the last bottle I buy. Solid step up for Turkey rye, no doubt. You will have to decide for yourself on the price proposition.
Rating: Must Try

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Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey / ,

Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
55% ABV
$75
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
Since the 1990’s, the Michter’s team has been doing pioneering work to re-establish the high quality American Rye whiskey category. The May 2015 inaugural release of Michter’s US 1 Barrel Strength Rye marks yet another milestone in that quest. For maturation, the Rye distillate is entered into the barrel at 103 proof, rather than a more industry standard higher proof. Barrel entry at a lower proof of 103 rather than a higher proof costs Michter’s more money in terms of barrels and warehousing, but we believe it yields a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey after proper maturation. A single barrel product, each barrel of Michter’s US 1 Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels in the inaugural release range from 108 to 110.8 proof. To savor it is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys Rye whiskey.

Production: Single Barrel. Limited quantities
State of Distillation: Kentucky
Whiskey Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Cooperage: Fire-charred, new American white oak barrels
Barrelling Strength: 103 Proof
Bottling Strength: Each barrel is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels range from 108 to 110.8 proof.
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch and cinnamon with a hint of cherries on the nose; warming, rich, toasty vanilla and caramel up front with a dry oaky spice on the finish

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, fruity spice; a little water really opens it up – bringing brown sugar and a touch of (seriously) BBQ sauce.
Palate: Really nice thick mouthfeel with warm pepper spice, fruity (but not citrusy – more like figs, apricots); a touch of water brings out some nougat and cocoa.
Finish: Lingers nicely, and stays wet.
Comments: This is a really unique rye, it makes me think of Lot 40 Malted rye (not that you would ever mistake the two, but something about it makes me think “malted rye”). I sampled this a few times over a two week period, and it is honestly the first whiskey that – with a touch of water – brings to mind BBQ sauce (and not in a bad way!!) This does go into the barrel at a lower proof than most in the industry (103 proof, where many/most go in at 125 proof), and I think that certainly contributes to the lovely mouthfeel and uniqueness. Rye fans will appreciate what this has to offer, although be prepared to pay for the experience.
Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says:
Nose: Toasted nuts, burnt churros, and a nice vanilla sweetness.
Palate: Dark chocolate, cracked pepper, and caramel come out first. Spend more time with it and you get nice dark fruit notes weaving through it.
Finish: Much more woody than spicy with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Comments: This is a very nice high proof rye. It’s not necessarily nice enough to warrant the price tag but to be honest I have the same complaint about everything Michter’s puts out. I’m not the hardcore rye hound that Gary is but I appreciate a well made rye like this. It doesn’t bowl me over in any particular way but it’s nice. I will enjoy the bottle I bought. However, given the price I won’t buy a second.
Rating: Stands Out

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WhistlePig Single Barrel 10 yr

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Whistlepig 10 Year Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
Selection by World Beverage, Duluth GA
Barrel 15-52

57.45% ABV
$80
Website
Whistlepig 10 year Single Barrel Rye

What the Producer Says

WhistlePig produces a 100-proof, straight rye whiskey, aged for at least ten years through a unique double-barrel process. WhistlePig was released in the summer of 2010 to great critical acclaim, earning 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, their highest rating ever for a rye whiskey, a “highest recommendation” from Spirits Journal, as well as accolades from The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Forbes, Maxim, Imbibe Magazine, and many others. As Master Distiller Dave Pickerell notes, these extraordinary honors both “humble and set a high bar” for the company.
WhistlePig embodies the perfect combination of proof, purity, and age — hitting “the sweet spot” in all three categories. In short: more rye, all the proof, and the perfect age. All in. Full stop.

What Gary Says

Nose: Musty sour oak, herbal, apricots, subdued dried orange zest.
Palate: Warm, bright citrus spice balanced nicely with the oak, peppery into the finish
Finish: Medium, wet with the pepper kicking up
Comments: This was a private selection of Whistlepig 10yr, bottled at cask strength. I’ve thought Whistlepig 10yr at 100 proof was always a bit pricey for my taste, and even at a great price – was a bit apprehensive on pulling the trigger on this one. I am SO glad I got over that! This is a lovely rye, that takes a bit of water really well (but doesn’t require it). A few drops knocked some of the oak off the nose and palate, while not dampening the fruitiness.

Rating: Must Try

What Richard Says

Nose: Big rich hit of strong rye spice and minty comes jumping out. Citrus with notes of gingerbread cookies, licorice, honeysuckle, wisteria, and jasmine. Surprisingly little heat on the nose for the amount of alcohol.
Palate: Lime and blood orange zest floating over old leather, burnt caramel, white pepper, and polished oak.
Finish: The oak predominates but not in an overpowering way.
Comments: This is really a great rye. I’ve tried WhistlePig a few times and enjoyed it each time but I never bought a bottle until this one. The price is (in my opinion) still relatively high to comparable ryes but I can’t say I regret a penny of this purchase. A cracking whiskey for sure!

Rating: Must Try

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Smooth Amble Old Scout Single Barrel Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel 8 yr Rye; Barrel No 983 (Sherlocks selection)
61% ABV
$50
Website
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What the Bottler Says:
Old Scout Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye is a just what it says; a single barrel that has been bottled at cask strength, usually between 115 and 125 proof. We pick barrels that are different from our stock selection to create unique experiences with each purchase.

Tasting Notes: A touch of sweetness leads to big spice. A bit of menthol on the nose with hints of honey and brine. Heat related to the cask strength, but still easy to drink. Maybe a touch of water helps here for some.
Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malt
Aging: A minimum of 7 years, non-chill filtered.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Hello alcohol, toasted orange zest, cinnamon; some water tamps down the heat and brings forth nutmeg and baking spices
Palate: Nice rich mouthfeel, heavy citrus notes with apricots and burnt sugar
Finish: Medium, peppery as it dries
Comments: Any single barrel offering like this has the potential to be anywhere from ‘meh’ to ‘holy @#$%, make room in the bunker’. When I first tried this, I thought enough of it to buy another bottle right away (you know – before they run out!) The more I drink it, the less impressive I find it; although I don’t regret the purchase one bit. 8 yr old barrel proof rye isn’t likely to be found for less, and it is a nice whiskey. It just reminds me that I really should sample something on at least two or three different occasions for an opinion (where a first impression might be extreme on either end). This was the third Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel Proof Rye I’ve purchased, and I haven’t been disappointed in any of them.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Holy rye minty alcohol Batman! It’s not as harsh as you would expect over 60% ABV but a little water goes a long way. Churros sprinkled with citrus zest and fresh mint leaves.
Palate: Surprisingly easy to drink but a few splashes of water make it fantastic. More orange zest, fresh baked monkey bread, and great poached stone fruit flavor.
Finish: The finish is nice and subtle with just a bit of cinnamon and white pepper around the edges.
Comments: This is a really nice well rounded bottle of rye. Smooth Ambler does really nice things with MGP ryes in particular. At $50 for a bottle when comparables from Redemption and other bottlers of similar rye are moving closer to three digits makes this a value in the current market conditions. Rye fans should really like it. However, if rye whiskey isn’t your bag then this isn’t going to change your whiskey religion.
Rating: Stands Out

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George Dickel Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

George Dickel Rye Whisky
45% ABV
$25
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
George Dickel Rye Whisky is the only rye finished in the style that made George famous. We start with the finest rye whisky available, made from 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Then we finish it the Dickel way – chilled, then charcoal mellowed.

Spicy and smoky with an exceptionally smooth finish.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Young rye spice, bit of dill, bright but a bit soft
Palate: Citrus spiciness with a hint of pickle and a mellow sweetness
Finish: Moderate, and it seems to get wetter (which I rarely find in a whiskey – odd in that way, but not off putting)
Comments: Dickel has been very transparent (and we appreciate that!) that this rye is distilled by a partner in Indiana, who also distills rye distillate for many NDPs. On the nose, that relationship is pretty clear if you are familiar with some of the others (Bulleit Rye and James E Pepper Rye are two examples). Dickel employs charcoal mellowing when chill filtering the whiskey (although at the time of bottling rather than before aging – again, something different). This adds to the smoothness, and I suspect makes the finish more unique. I am glad they are bottling this at 45% ABV, a tad higher than their Tennessee whiskies, and a tad below some of the other ryes created from the same distillate. For those reasons, I would consider having a bottle around – in particular if you are a fan of rye.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: That minty rye nose jumps out with a creamy herbal backing. It reminds me a bit of Ricola drops. Even though this is contract produced with some tweaks of Dickel’s own it still shows it’s Indiana heritage.
Palate: Sweet mint, a mild bitterness, a pepper back beat.
Finish: Black pepper and mint essential oils that remind a bit of Italian menthol shaving creams.
Comments: With this rye Dickel isn’t your typical non-distilling producer (NDP). First, they use the same charcoal mellowing technique that they do on their Tennessee whiskeys. Second, according to the folks at Dickel this rye is produced using Dickel’s strain of yeast rather than just buying whatever they are making up in Indiana. Those two things make this a distinct contract distilling relationship rather than what I would call a sourced whiskey relationship. It’s made for them in a specific way rather than being made and then subsequently bought by them. So don’t look at it and think just another MGP rye like so many others. It has it’s own unique qualities and stands out from the crowd.
Rating: Stands Out

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