45% ABV $28 Website We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.
What the Distillery Says
FORGOTTEN NAMES, UNFORGETTABLE FLAVORS.
IN EARLY AMERICA, WHEN THE LAWS STOPPED WOMEN FROM RUNNING THEIR OWN DISTILLERIES, WOMEN DID THE ONLY THING THEY COULD – THEY USED AN ALIAS TO PASS AS A MAN AND DID IT ANYWAYS. EVERY GLASS OF ALIAS WHISKEY IS A CELEBRATION OF THEIR CRAFT AND CRAFTINESS.
TRUTH IS IN THE WHISKEY AROMA: A BALANCE OF SWEET FRUIT AND RYE SPICE COMPLEMENTED WITH SLIGHT HINTS OF MINT. PALATE: FORWARD NOTES OF CARAMEL, VANILLA AND FRUIT, WITH A BOLD RYE SPICE FINISH. FLAVORS: FRUIT, RYE SPICE, SLIGHT MINT, CARAMEL & VANILLA MASH BILL: 51% RYE | 45% CORN | 4% BARLEY MALT
What Gary Says
Nose: Fresh and bright, caramel, dill, lemongrass, mint, bit of cedar and a note of corn flakes. Palate: Round mouthfeel, toffee, mint, subtle citrus, cinnamon and a hint of pear. Finish: Short to moderate in length with mint, caramel and pepper. Comments: A very pleasant, although gentle rye. I’ve long been a fan of MGP’s 95% rye mash bill, and this ‘barely legal’ rye is quite a bit different. I’m glad that Luxco/Ross & Squibb are releasing different mash bills, as I know some folks who find rye “too spicy/too biting”, but likely would find this delightful. This is a nice sipper. I am not a fan of the dark glass bottle though (seriously, shining an LED flashlight behind the bottle to see how full it is – nothing). I think that is probably part of the branding, but from a practical perspective – I like to know how much whiskey I’ve got left in the bottle when sitting on the shelf.
Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey, Aged 7 Years
58.6% ABV $70 Website We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.
What the Distillery Says
Ross & Squibb Distillery releases Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof Annual, limited-release straight rye whiskey, now featuring a 7-year age statement
ST. LOUIS (April 12, 2022) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery announced the launch of Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof, its annual, limited-release straight-rye whiskey. Set to reach retail shelves across the country starting this month, this limited allocation of 3,000 six-pack cases was bottled at 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) and has a suggested retail price of $69.99.
Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof features a medley of straight-rye mash bills, distilled by one of the largest producers of rye whiskey in America – Ross & Squibb Distillery. The flavor profile includes an aroma of rye spice, vanilla, caramel, oak, and slight chocolate; forward flavors of sweet caramel and vanilla, moving to baking spices and chocolate; and a lingering finish of rye and a hint of sweet mint.
There were 82 barrels selected for this year’s release, which is displayed on each bottle of Rossville Union Barrel Proof. And for the first time, every bottle prominently features a 7-year age statement.
“Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof is another example of the great rye-whiskey tradition we’ve carried on at Ross & Squibb Distillery and yet another reason Indiana is the rye capital of the world,” said Ian Stirsman, master distiller at Ross & Squibb distillery. “As the popularity of rye whiskey continues to grow, we’ve selected another exceptional medley of rye mash bills to satisfy even the most discriminating tastes among the ever-growing numbers of rye-whiskey drinkers.”
What Gary Says
Nose: Rye spice with mint, cinnamon, orange zest, dill, apricot, vanilla, caramel, oak with a hint of cedar. Palate: Warm and viscous mouthfeel, chocolate orange, vanilla, spicy with pepper, anise, cinnamon, caramel and a hint of lemon. Finish: Moderately long, drying with citrus spice. Comments: A really nice high-rye rye (which might sound redundant, but it isn’t – more on this shortly!) Thick mouthfeel, and cracking rye spice which I really enjoy. I’ve long been a fan of the rye coming out of this distillery, whether it was named LDI, MGP or now Ross & Squibb. This takes a bit of water really well, bringing out some grapefruit notes on the nose, and amping up the citrus and cinnamon on the palate. There aren’t a lot of barrel proof, high-rye rye whiskies out there with a 7 year age statement, and if you are a fan of rye, this is one I think you need to try. I really enjoyed this one neat, and look forward to it in some cocktails this summer.
Now – back to high-rye rye 🙂 In bourbon, we think about a ‘wheated’ bourbon versus a ‘high-rye’ bourbon, and I think in the category of rye whiskey, it’s good to think of ‘barely-legal rye’ versus ‘high rye rye’. They are as different as a wheater vs rye bourbon, and maybe more so. With less corn in the mix, you get less of the vanilla and caramel sweet notes, and a lot more of that spicy kick. I did a blind side-by-side with this against Pikesville (which is a barely-legal rye with 51% rye in the mashbill), and they were completely different (and both delicious).
40% ABV $25 Website We would like to thank Alberta Distillers and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.
What the Distillery Says
TORONTO, March 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Alberta Distillers Ltd, one of the first distilleries to create a true 100% rye whisky, are proud to announce the introduction of their signature core expression, Alberta® Premium to the U.S. for the first time. This stateside launch follows the successful relaunch of the highly coveted Alberta® Premium Cask Strength Rye into the U.S. in 2021. The premium 100% Canadian rye whisky currently boasts the title of the No. 1 selling 100% rye whisky in the world, as outlined by IWSR global sales numbers1, and is a true testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Alberta Distillers, which was named Distillery of the Decade by the 2020 Canadian Whisky Awards.
Crafted and distilled in Calgary, Alberta, Alberta Premium is made from 100% Canadian prairie rye grains grown by local farmers. The grains are uniquely nourished by nutrient-dense, glacier-fed spring water from the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The result is a perfectly balanced whisky with unique nuances of flavor that are influenced by the natural climate and environment in which it is made.
“We were thrilled by the response to our re-introduction of cask strength rye whisky to the U.S. last year, and this year we wanted to offer U.S. fans the opportunity to get their hands on the liquid we’re best known for,” remarked George Teichroeb, General Manager of Alberta Distillers. “Alberta Premium showcases exactly what true Canadian rye whisky can be, and we’re proud to continue the tradition of producing the gold standard for Canadian spirits and using 100% rye grains to craft this distinguished liquid.”
You can taste the great quality in every bottle of this distinctive and award-winning whisky*, which has earned high accolades such as Gold at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, Platinum at the 2021 SIP Awards, and Excellent/Highly Recommended at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2019. Best enjoyed neat with a drop of water, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, such as an Old Fashioned, this coveted whisky is packaged in an eye-catching, faceted glass bottle and features the following characteristics:
Alberta Premium will begin to hit shelves this month with a SRP of $24.99 for a 750ml bottle. This winning whisky continues to set the standard for premium rye whiskies, and as demand grows for Alberta Premium products, U.S. whisky fans can rest assured there’s more to come from Alberta Distillers in the months to come. For more information and to keep up to date on the latest news, follow Alberta Premium on Instagram and Facebook, or visit our websites at www.albertadistillers.com and adl75.ca, and visit us on social media at our Instagram and Facebook.
An explosive taste that is bold with its own unique earthy character, made with 100% Canadian Prairie Rye and aged for a minimum of 5 years, Alberta Premium is the original 100% rye.
Tasting Notes An authentic prairie rye, this whisky has a rich gold colour, and aromas of banana, toffee and light spice. Expect the flavour to be mellow and smoky, with a finish of vanilla and spice.
What Gary Says
Nose: Cedar, vanilla cotton candy, grassy note with a hint of caramel. Palate: Sweet with vanilla, maple candies, light caramel, nutmeg, honey and a hint of green apple cider. Finish: Short to moderate in length with vanilla, green apples and gentle spice. Comments: Compared to American rye (whether barely legal 51% rye mashbill or higher), this is quite a bit different – and is more gentle and mellow. I loved the Cask Strength Limited Editions (2020 & 2021). I wish this was a higher ABV than 40%, as this is a bit more mild than I prefer in a rye, but it is tasty and gives a different perspective on the grain – which is always welcomed. This has a longer finish than I expected as well.
Rating: Stands Out
1 IWSR 2013-2020; 2020 Case volumes: 336k 9-liter cases; June 30, 2021
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished with Broken Barrel Staves
52.5% ABV $35 Website We would like to thank Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
Rye | Re-imagined
This Rye whiskey is distilled in Owensboro Kentucky – just like our bourbon. However, it is unlike any rye whiskey you’ve ever tasted. Charred French oak gives a woody body to the spirit, while ex-bourbon (still soaked from the previous tenant) and ex-sherry cask staves all join forces to create a fiery, yet balanced and smooth taste and finish. We use the same proprietary Oak Bill™ to embolden this rye whiskey and give it an uncommon and untraditional taste and character.
Call it sacrilegious, call it untraditional, call it heresy—we won’t be offended. But trust us. Once you taste it, you may begin to question the tradition yourself.
Mash Bill: 95% Rye 5% Malted Barley
Oak Bill™ 40% French Oak Staves 40% Ex-Bourbon Cask Staves 20% Sherry Cask Staves
Heresy Rye Whiskey was awarded the Gold Medal in 2019 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for rye whiskies. Batch 001 | Launched August 2018
What Gary Says
Nose: Soft rye spice with mint eucalyptus, bit of dill and vanilla. Palate: Bright with mint, citrus zip, baking spices and black cherries. Finish: Short with mint, cocoa, pepper and dried fruit notes. Comments: I’ve remarked before that rye whiskey is the one whisk(e)y type that I find which “isn’t as bad” young, and that continues to be the case. Don’t get me wrong – I’d prefer a well aged rye over something young (in this case, it is 2 yrs old)! But in the context of the previous Broken Barrel whiskies, I did like this one the best. The stave treatment does lend to some dark fruit notes on the palate and finish, which round out the herbal and more citrus notes of the rye nicely. Bit of water tamps the edges a bit, although I wouldn’t add a lot.
65.41% ABV $250 Website We would like to thank Barrell Craft Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Blender Says
Matured for 16 years
Distilled in Canada
Rye whiskey finished in Martinique rhum, Madeira, and apricot brandy casks
Aged in the US and Canada
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
130.82 proof cask strength bottling
The foundation of BCS Gray Label Seagrass began with two groups of 16-year-old 100% Canadian Rye barrels – one with bright citrus and crisp green apple notes and the other with earthy spearmint notes. A portion of the first group was finished in Apricot Brandy casks, a portion of the second group was finished in Martinique rhum barrels, and a blend of the first and second groups was finished in Malmsey Madeira barrels. When each set of secondary maturation flavors peaked, those casks were pulled and slowly married into the final blend. This deeply mature and rye whiskey has a classic, grassy aroma reinforced by the equally iconic, fresh notes of aged Rhum Agricole. On the palate, the oily rye is complemented by the oxidative, nutty madeira character that also balances that richness with exuberant acidity. Apricot brandy casks splash bright, sometimes tropical fruit over the finish before it fades to reveal the maritime minerality that lends this whiskey its name. Appearance: Rich, golden straw. Nose: The savory side of rye is showcased by an array of exotic spices and seeds–caraway, fenugreek, dill, and mustard. Rye toast, grilled cornbread, and roasted taro root give it a bready depth. The Rhum Agricole barrels bolster the spirit’s innate grassy notes of cucumber peel, black olive, and bark mulch. Beyond the cask’s prior contents, the oak itself is expressed by cigar tobacco, coffee, and cinnamon. Palate: Extremely oily, displaying notes of peanut-, coconut-, and tea tree–oils. As it’s held in the mouth it grows creamier with soy milk and cocoa butter. A bright lemonade note buoys nutty sunflower seed in a nod toward the madeira barrels. That madeira influence expands into notes of grapefruit peel, verjus, and gravel. Finish: The apricot brandy casks pick up where the madeira left off, bursting forth with passionfruit, mirabelle plum, and banana peel. Now the collective minerality of the rye and its respective finishes wash over the palate with notes of chalk dust, flint, paraffin, and cedar smoke. With a splash of spring water: The maritime scent of fresh costal breeze is dialed up. Maraschino liqueur, cloudberry, and green apple herald a fresh fruitiness. Meanwhile marmalade, burnt marshmallows, and roasted chestnut sweeten the palate considerably. It gets a bit woodsier too, with balsam, wild mint, and raspberry leaf.
What Gary Says
Nose: Rye toast with caraway seeds, caramel, oak, dill, heather, cinnamon, tobacco, dried mint and lemongrass. Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with citrus notes, oranges and kiwi that sharpen to a sour grapefruit note, pepper, cinnamon and dried mint with notes of apricots. Finish: Long and drying with apricot, citrus zest and pepper. Comments: The nose on this is really complex – more so than the palate for me, which is on the sharp side. This definitely is more on the savory side of things, which I do enjoy. A bit of water brings out more mint on the nose, and maybe a note of mango on the palate along with more grapefruit. This is one where personally I prefer the standard Seagrass over this, but mainly because I am not a fan of grapefruit (and I wouldn’t say it is overbearing, but definitely prominent). If you are a fan of grapefruit, this might be fantastic – as that isn’t a note I get often in whisk(e)y, so this is definitely unique.
