Rye Whiskey

Yellow Rose Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey / ,

Yellow Rose Straight Rye Whiskey
45% ABV
$35
Website
yellowrose-straight-rye-whiskey
What the Bottler Says:
Yellow Rose Straight Rye Whiskey is hand selected, blended and bottled in Texas. Enjoy whiskey as it was before prohibition with this small batch limited production spirit. Made from 95% rye, this whiskey is a true American classic perfect for fine cocktails.

COLOR: Copper, amber.
NOSE: Mild vanilla and pine with hint of brown sugar.
PALATE: Slightly sweet, spearmint with mild pepper and maple.
FINISH: Medium finish with less pepper than other rye whiskey’s.
COMMENTS: One of the best rye whiskey’s ever! Makes for the perfect Old Fashion or Manhattan!

What Gary Says:
Nose: Young and brash, bright rye spice, orange zest, and subtle fresh pickles.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, softer on the palate than the nose, mellow, light fruit, orange zest, bit of spice kicking into the finish.
Finish: Fairly short.
Comments: Interesting rye whiskey – on the nose it screams MGP high rye (which I suspect is its origin), but on the palate it was out of sync for me – feeling a bit more like a “barely legal rye”. While the nose is brash and sharp (as you expect in a rye), the palate is much more mellow and soft; lacking that rye kick, although it picks up in the end. It reminds me a bit of Dickel Rye with how mellow it is on the palate, and I like that – although that is 2/3 the price of this, so not sure I’ll rush out to grab a bottle.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Minty, floral sweet, grassy, and fresh. Classic (relatively) young MGP rye. We smell it so often that if we aren’t careful we all begin to believe that MGP’s rye is what all rye is supposed to smell like just from the numbers of bottles of their rye on the shelves.
Palate: Herbaceous and minty sweet.
Finish: Slightly bitter and rather short.
Comments: Ah…another in a long, long, LONG string of bottlers giving us their particular slice of MGP’s stock of rye whiskey. There is nothing wrong with this particular expression of MGP rye. Rather, it’s that this rye is becoming so ubiquitous that it’s hard for newer bottlers to stand out. My advice…if you are going down the MGP rye route you need to do something to the damn whiskey to give it your own stamp. “Blending” various barrels of it just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Rating: Average

We would like to thank Yellow Rose Distilling for sending us a sample for review.

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High West Yippee Ki-Yay

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review, Rye Whiskey /

High West Yippee Ki-Yay
A Blend of Straight Rye Whiskeys
Batch 1
46% ABV
$65
Website
yippeekiyay_spiritbottle
What the Blender Says:
Available December 5th at High West locations. One day, just for fun, we put some rye whiskey into barrels originally used to age wine. When we mixed the ‘vermouth-ed’ (Vya, Madera, CA) and the ‘syrah-ed’ (Qupé Santa Maria, CA) we discovered an all-natural, not disgustingly sweet whiskey for the rest of us.

How to Enjoy:
Yippee Ki-Yay™ is great as an aperitif on ice, neat with dessert, or on its own. Try it in a Manhattan. This stuff rocks.

The Name:
Where did “Yippee Ki-Yay” come from? Is it a real expression of joy popular with cowboys in the 19th century Western United States? Is it part of the greatest one liner in movie history? Was it influenced by the phrase ‘Yippie-yi-yo-ki-yay’ from the 1936 hit song “I’m an Old Cow Hand from the Rio Grande” about a 20th-century cowboy who has little in common with cowpunchers of old and sung by Bing Crosby in the film “Rhythm on the Range” (also sung later by Roy Rogers and Frank Sinatra) and considered one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time? We’re not sure. But we are sure we like how we feel when we say it… and recommend you use it every chance you get.

Back Label Story:
We confess…we didn’t coin the term “Yippee Ki-Yay”. Moreover, we didn’t paint the picture on the front label. It’s an historic poster (Gift of The Coe Foundation and Henry B. Balink) now at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming (centerofthewest.org, you really ought to visit). Furthermore, we didn’t distill the whiskeys in this bottle (it’s our Double Rye!® – sourced whiskey – see highwest.com for details). However, we did come up with a combination that we think will make you say…Yippee Ki-Yay drinkers of horrible tasting cheap flavored uisge beatha! One day, just for fun, we put Double Rye!® into oak barrels that had originally been used to age two different types of wine (see highwest.com for details) and discovered an all-natural, not disgustingly-sweet sipper for the rest of us.High West’s Yippee Ki-YayTM is great as an aperitif on ice, neat with dessert, on its own, or try it in a Manhattan. This stuff rocks.

Not chill filtered marriage of two straight rye whiskies
The 2-year-old: 95% rye, 5% barley malt mashbill (LDI now MGP)
The older rye has a “barely legal” rye mashbill of: 53% rye, 37% corn (Barton Distillery)

Barrel type: Oak barrel that previously held Vermouth Barrel (Vya, Madera, CA), Oak barrel that previously held Qupé Syrah (Qupé Santa maria, CA)
Color: An unusual beautiful ruby red (from the Syrah barrel finish)
Nose: Fresh cinnamon stick, crushed blackberries (cassis) with some herbs (thyme and sage) in the background.
Taste: A big, bold punch of cinnamon spice and blackberries on a foundation of vanilla and caramel, the long finish is dried orange rind and herbs.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Wow – like a funky cocktail! Heavy wine influence & vermouth, which for me overpowers the whiskey
Palate: Warm, odd fermented dark fruit with herbal notes (sage).
Finish: Moderate in length
Comments: First off, I consider myself a big High West fan. I think David Perkins is a class act, and High West has done some marvelous things – and I appreciate the transparency with which they’ve done them! This might be a great gateway whiskey for wine fans, but I didn’t love it – just too much of the wine & vermouth influence for me. Honestly, it could be fermented [fill in the blank]. The whiskey foundation for me was lost. It reminded me a bit of Perique (a tobacco liqueur), which I also like – but it isn’t whiskey. I applaud the innovation, and if you like vermouth and wine – you might absolutely love this. I’m not a big fan of either, and while a big rye fan – this wasn’t in my wheelhouse.
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: The wine really lays heavy on the nose with notes of cinnamon, stewed dark fruits, balsamic vinegar, and red wine.
Palate: Mulled wine with cinnamon sticks floating in it and a big spoonful of blackberry jam. It really kind of reminds me of Swedish Glogg a bit.
Finish: Minty and slightly woody.
Comments: Yum! I’m not the biggest vermouth fan but I really like this. It’s more in the vein of A Midwinter Night’s Dram. It reminds of a lovely evening by the fire during the holidays. Maybe it’s the association with Glogg but either way I really enjoy this. It’s like Angel’s Envy Rye in that I like it a lot but the unique flavor is something I would have to be in the mood for and wouldn’t want all the time.
Rating: Stands Out

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Colonel E.H. Taylor Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey
50% ABV
$70
Website
EHT-straightrye
What the Distillery Says:
Straight Rye Whiskey has experienced a strong resurgence in the American whiskey landscape, yet Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was making this style more than 100 years ago. This small batch, Bottled-in-Bond 100 proof straight rye whiskey pays tribute to the former Distillery owner with a unique rye whiskey reminiscent of days long past.

TASTING NOTES:
An altogether different recipe and profile than Sazerac Rye, this recipe contains just rye and malted barley, no corn. The result is an aroma full of dried fruit, black pepper, and touch of fresh dill. A small sip brings an array of flavors both sweet and savory with a terrific balance of dark spices and subtle caramel overtones. The finish is especially pleasing with an oaky dryness that lingers just long enough.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Oaky, citrus rye spice, bit of crushed mint & burnt toast; not particularly sweet.
Palate: Bright & sharp – more of a herbal/savory spice than sweetness, hints of caramel crèmes; mouthfeel is a bit thin.
Finish: Dries as it lingers, but not unpleasant.
Comments: Unlike some “barely legal” ryes (like Pikesville or Rittenhouse BIB) which are just over 50% rye in the mash, this has no corn in the mashbill. That isn’t necessarily uncommon (many MGP distilled rye are a mashbill of only rye & barley), but it does explain the sharp/spiciness that comes through without as much of the sweet (which corn is well known to deliver). I like it well enough, and while not age-stated (BIB means at least four years old), I would guess this to be 6-10 yrs old. It just doesn’t have anything unique/special about it for me that would justify the price. In fact, had I laid out my own dough for a bottle – I would be disappointed. Thankfully, I’ve got very generous friends. And, the whiskey itself is nice (just that there are a LOT of nice ryes out there for way less money).
Rating: Average

What Richard Says:
Nose: This one is like an Old Fashioned all by itself. Minty, peppery rye spice with muddled oranges and candied fruit sweetness.
Palate: A big fat miss on the mouthfeel. I would expect an older bottled in bond whiskey to have a creamier mouthfeel. It seems like they chill filtered the shit out of this one. It is kind of soft and caramel sweet with a bitter and peppery bite.
Finish: Dry and woody.
Comments: I want to like this. I really do. Especially since it is my $70 that went out for this bottle. But as much as I want to really like it I find it a little blah. In fact, for $70 I find it really blah. I’ve heard rumors that this new rye recipe may be a blending component in Buffalo Trace’s distilled replacement for Van Winkle Rye. I hope that if that is true then it is either much better around 13 years or the blend components are more than the sum of their parts.
Rating: Average

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Pikesville Rye

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey
55% ABV
$50
Website
pikesBottle
What the Distillery Says:
The long history of Maryland Rye began with the Civil War. From 1861 to 1865, the Civil War brought thousands and thousands of outsiders to Maryland, who, upon war’s end, returned to other parts of the country, preferring the Maryland Rye they enjoyed during their stay. Pioneering Maryland businessmen worked to satiate this thirst for Maryland Rye with the help of improved railway infrastructure and the rise of coast-to-coast brand marketing.

L. Winand & Brothers Distillery was founded in the town of Scott’s Level, Maryland, just Northwest of Baltimore, where they began producing Pikesville Rye in 1895, named after the adjacent town. Historians speculate L. Winand & Brothers named their product Pikesville because “Scott’s Level” would have sounded too much like Scotch.

The passage of the 18th Amendment, which enacted Prohibition, forced the L. Winand & Brothers Distillery to close. Following repeal, businessman Andrew Merle acquired the Pikesville brand in 1936 and contracted Monumental Distillery, owned by Standard Distillers in Baltimore for distillation of the brand.

A collapsing smokestack accident in 1946 at Monumental caused a change of hands and the renaming to Majestic Distilling Corporation. With sales of Maryland Rye dwindling, Majestic ceased distillation in Baltimore in 1972, marking the end of Maryland Rye production and securing Pikesville’s place in history as the last-standing Maryland Rye brand. Even with the distillery in Baltimore closed, the brand survived on existing whiskey stocks until 1982 when it was sold to Heaven Hill. Since then, it has been produced in Kentucky and is now produced at the historic Bernheim Distillery.

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey refuses to be forgotten. First produced in Maryland in the 1890s, the brand, along with the rest of the once-booming Maryland Rye industry, was shuttered by prohibition. The brand reemerged after prohibition and became the last standing Maryland Rye, as the rest of the industry’s production had ceased. Now produced in Kentucky from extra-aged barrels stored in prime warehouse locations, Heaven Hill keeps this historic Maryland mark alive with this award-winning six year old, 110 proof offering.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Pale copper
AROMA: Dusty cocoa notes with oaky smoke underneath
TASTE: Dry and spicy, with honeyed rye and cloves
FINISH: Soft vanilla and baking spices

What Gary Says:
Nose: Rich, orange zest & a hint of dark chocolate under rye spice.
Palate: Bright pepper spice w/ warm cinnamon rolls & clove; intense with citrus undertones.
Finish: Medium & peppery.
Comments: I’m a big rye fan – and I really like this whiskey. I’d have it in my cabinet . . . if it were less expensive. I think Rittenhouse BIB (also by Heaven Hill) is one of the best rye-buys on the market. This is basically that same distillate with a couple more years of age and at a higher proof. Age and proof aren’t the whole story (not sure where these are aged vs Rittenhouse), but to charge more than twice what I can pick up Rittenhouse BIB for seems a bit much for me. If this were more like $35-$40 – I would call it a “Must Try” (and honestly, if you consider yourself a rye fan – I really would look for an opportunity to try it . . . ideally without having to buy a whole bottle first).
Rating: Stands Out

What Richard Says:
Nose: Melted chocolate oranges with mint tea by the smoker out in the backyard.
Palate: Aggressive and muscular. Cinnamon, brown sugar, cloves, allspice berries, crushed mint, and vanilla pods cured together in old, seasoned oak barrels.
Finish: Dry oak and slightly bitter with a dusting of cocoa powder.
Comments: A delicious and aggressive rye that, like it’s younger brother Rittenhouse, plays well in nearly all situations from cocktails to slow sippers and everything in between. Like Gary, my only complaint is the price. I realize that a number of ridiculously overpriced non-distilling producer bottled ryes of similar age are pushing up the market price. It really is a shame. Even still, I think this would be stellar in the $35 to $40 but at $50+ its a bit steep.
Rating: Stands Out

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Collingwood 21 Year Old

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review, Rye Whiskey / , ,

Collingwood 21 Year Old Rye Canadian Whisky
40% ABV
$70
Website
Collingwood Whisky releases its limited edition 21-Year-Old Rye in select United States and Canada markets. (PRNewsFoto/Collingwood)
What the Distillery Says:
Sadly, we waited so long to review this that all the distillery commentary was taken down from the Collingwood website.

What Gary Says:
Nose: Soft, oaky, minty spice with hints of leather, nutmeg and cereal; lot of subtle nuance going on.
Palate: Rounded, sweet, mellow fruitiness with toasted oak and maple-glazed pecans.
Finish: Wet, and a bit short
Comments: This was a one-time release a couple of years ago, and I passed on it as “too good to be true”. I mean, 21 yr rye whiskey for $70 (or less at some stores)?? I finally had a chance to sample it, and immediately regretted not buying it. I lucked into a bottle while traveling and immediately grabbed it. There aren’t a lot of whiskies at 80 proof that really hit me right, but this delivers a lot of flavor and nuance. I absolutely love the nose on this whiskey, and I really like the palate. This is softer – not as sharp-spicy as most US rye, but I wouldn’t let one slip by again.
Rating: Must Try/Must Buy

What Richard Says:
Nose: The “typical” rye mint note is a subtle back up. Creamy fruity notes play with more of grain saddle oil center. Yee-ha!
Palate: Rye bread topped with orange marmalade and sprinkled with cracked pepper.
Finish: Creamy and seriously mellow. You get just a bit of wood and pepper carry through.
Comments: All the way back in 1991 the 50 barrel lot that was batched together for this limited release was laid down at the Canadian Mist Distillery in Collingwood. 21 Years and some maple wood finishing later and this limited release only hit shelves in Ontario, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming only. So being in Georgia I jumped at the chance for a 21 year old rye at $70. The packaging alone is hilarious. The weird cologne shaped bottle and the speed pour spout are a humorous diversion from the over-hyped newer ryes coming out now. The liquid itself will surprise you too. It is not maple syrupy or rye spicy or over woody. Everything you would think when you hear “21 year old maple wood finished rye” is put aside on this one. Not necessarily my style of rye but it is an accomplishment.
Rating: Stands Out

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