Category: Rye Whiskey Page 1 of 3

Rye Whiskey

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for rye whiskey. A collection of all the interesting Rye releases I have tried, be it from the USA or from other countries.

Pike Creek 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/22/2024

In Rye Whiskey

Welcome to World Whisky time again, where we’re diving into the world of Pike Creek 10 year old whisky. Crafted by Corby Spirit and Wine Limited, this Canadian dram boasts an exciting twist—it’s finished in rum barrels, adding a distinctive flair to its character.

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited traces its roots back to 1859 in Corbyville, Ontario. The company has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Now listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange, the company is partly owned by Pernod Ricard, holding a 46% stake.

Its spirit portfolio includes renowned labels like J.P. Wiser’s whisky, Lot 40 Canadian Whisky, and Hiram Walker’s Special Old Whisky.

Initially introduced in 1998 with a finish in Port casks, Pike Creek whisky transformed in 2016 when the distillery changed to rum barrel finishing. The mash bill, a blend of rye and corn, remains undisclosed.

Ageing occurs in the non-climate-controlled warehouses just outside Windsor, Ontario. This subjects the barrels to extreme temperature shifts, ranging from bone-chilling -35°C in the winter to a sweltering 35°C in the summer.

Also Read: Scottish Cousin Whisky

Pike Creek 10 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Canada

ABV: 42%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: On the nose, there are sweet honey notes intertwined with the subtle allure of rum sweetness, complemented by a touch of rye spice and a note reminiscent of Dutch speculaas spice. Hints of raisins, prunes, and oak in the background.

PALATE: On the palate, the sweetness prevails, reminiscent of caramel toffee apples, accompanied by a gentle heat of pepper, cardamom, and rye spices. Vanilla and cinnamon intertwine with delicate hints of dried fruit, citrus, and oak. It has a medium body. A drop of water brings a bitter citrus note forward.

FINISH: The finish is short and soft, leaving lingering caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon notes. The initial sweetness gives way to a delightful spiciness.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Pike Creek 10 year old emerges as a commendable entry-level Canadian rye whisky similar to the Crown Royal whisky. It offers affordability without compromising quality. Priced around GBP 28 in the U.K. and $40 in Canada, it’s a steal for enthusiasts seeking a flavourful yet approachable dram.

While the rum barrel influence is more pronounced on the nose than on the palate, the warming embrace of rye spices ensures a memorable sipping experience.

Other Pike Creek whiskey releases includes a 15 year old Cabernet Sauvignon Finish as well as a 21 year old whisky aged in Speyside single malt casks. Both are limited edition offerings.

Also Read: Bennachie 10 yo Whisky

Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/24/2023

In Rye Whiskey

This bottle of Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye whiskey has been in my cupboard for a couple of years after the hubby brought it back from a trip to the UK. I have been in the mood for something more spicy after the sweetness of the last couple of weeks, so a rye whiskey is perfect.

Pikesville Rye whiskey was initially produced in Maryland by L. Winand & Brothers Distillery, established in 1895. The brand went through several changes of ownership and survived Prohibition. The last batch of rye whiskey was produced in Maryland in 1972 by the Majestic Distilling Corporation.

In 1972 Majestic Distilling closed down. However, they left enough filled barrels, and the brand continued until 1982. In 1982, Heaven Hill bought the brand. Heaven Hill released the Pikesville Rye in 2015, and it is currently produced at the Bernheim Distillery.

Also Read: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye

Heaven Hill has an extensive whiskey and bourbon brand collection, and the Evan Williams, Rittenhouse and Henry McKenna brands fall under their banner. They are the biggest privately owned whiskey company in the USA.

The mash bill for the Pikesville Straight Rye whiskey is 51% rye, 39% corn and 10% malted barley. Compared to the other rye whiskies I have tried, this is the bare minimum rye to quality as a rye whiskey. The Jack Daniel’s Rye and the Bulleit Rye are considerably higher with 70% and 95%, respectively.

Another different aspect is the higher ABV when looking at the other rye releases. Sazerac and Bulleit Rye has a 45% ABV while the Pikesville rye is at 55% (110 proof).

Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey Review

The Pikeville Rye is a 6 year old release.

REGION: USA

ABV: 55%

COLOUR: Pale copper

NOSE: The nose is subtle with hints of grassy rye, brown sugar, oak, pepper and baking spices. Hints of cherry and liquorice in the background. A whiff of alcohol on the first sniff, so let it stand a few minutes.

PALATE: The Pikesville Straight Rye whiskey starts quite spicy with notes of cloves, pepper and rye spices, but then comes red fruits and cherries with toasted oak. Maple syrup sweetness balances out the spicy notes. Not as spicy or complex as some of the other rye releases I have tried, but it is relatable and easy to drink. A few drops of water cool down the alcohol heat.

FINISH: Medium length with notes of vanilla, cinnamon spice and bits of drying oak. A faint dark chocolate-covered cherry note makes me want to go back to try this rye again.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a drinkable bottle of rye whiskey. Not quite as spicy as I expected, which is a good thing. I have a sweeter palate, and some rye releases can quickly become too spicy. It does need a few minutes to breathe and a few drops of water to cool down the alcohol heat, but this is an impressive rye.

The Pikesville Straight Rye whiskey retail for around $58. I will pick up another bottle when I travel again.

Also Read: Pike Creek 10 year old Whisky

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/17/2023

In Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is exploding in South Africa. Even regular bottle shops have started to carry some rye whiskey. It is wonderful to see ow the category is growing. This spicy style whiskey adds an exciting new taste dimension compared to Scottish whisky or bourbon.

I try to taste as many rye releases as I can to expand my taste buds. I found this bottle of Bulleit Straight 95% American Rye whiskey locally and just had to try it. The first Bulleit bourbon was produced by Augustus Bulleit.

He wanted to create a bourbon with a unique flavour profile and experimented with varying recipes until he found a whiskey that he was happy with. He created his bourbon, and it was available until he died in 1860.

Years later, his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit dreamt of continuing his ancestor’s distilling tradition, and in 1987, he created a small batch bourbon, bearing the family name. The bottles are modelled on old fashioned medicine bottles, with distinctive raised lettering.

Also Read: Sazerac Rye

Seagram acquired Bulleit Bourbon in 1997, and the facilities were relocated to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Today, Diageo owns the Bulleit brand. In March 2017, Diageo opened a new Bulleit distillery just east of Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky.

Bulleit Rye American Frontier whiskey was introduced during March 2011. It is made with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley and produced in small batches.

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light golden caramel

NOSE: Sweet and fresh. Cherries and vanilla with hints of grain and toasted oak. Subtle spices with hints of cinnamon and cloves.

PALATE: Not as spicy as the Sazerac whiskey. More caramel sweetness followed by fresh fruit before the spicy notes hits. Overripe cherries, dry roasted peanuts and crunchy grain. Then follows the rye spice mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and hints of pepper and cloves.

Delicious. I finished my first glass without water and had to pour a second glass to see the impact of water. Water brings more orange notes forward.

FINISH: A spicy rye finish with cinnamon, allspice and vanilla. Medium length. Warming.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious rye whiskey! Probably my favourite rye so far. Spiciness to let you know you are drinking rye, but enough sweetness and balance to make it easy drinking and inviting. I love it. Another great thing about this rye whiskey is the price. It is very affordable which makes it a great whiskey for cocktails. I see it retails on Amazon for around £35.

Now to go and play with this rye whiskey and make some cocktails. I think this Bulleit Rye will work really well in an Old Fashioned.

I found an article on the history of rye whiskey in America and more on the Bulleit Bourbon. Other rye releases that I have tasted include a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release. A different spice profile, but interesting nevertheless.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Bulleit Rye and the Woodford Reserve Rye to see what the differences are. I have also done a side by side comparison between the Bulleit Rye and Bulleit bourbon to see how the mash bill profile changes the taste.

Also Read: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/01/2023

In Rye Whiskey

Today I look at another Rye release, Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey. What a roller coaster we have had in South Africa with covid and lock down. When SA went into lock down level 5 in March 2020, the sale of alcohol was banned. A whole industry came to a sudden standstill.

Three months later, SA moved to lock down level 2 and liquor sales were allowed again. Items stuck in port was permitted entry and wine farms and distilleries started operating again.

South Africa’s covid figures increased substantially, and then one Sunday evening, the President suddenly banned alcohol sales again. All plans I had to try new drams came to a grinding halt. But the long wait is over, and I can try some new releases again.

Just before lock down, I saw some social media posts about Jack Daniel’s rye becoming available in SA. But I could not find a bottle at the time. However, now that I can shop again, I found a bottle and I was fortunate to have a chat to Bradley Watson about this release on IGTV.

The Jack Daniel’s Rye whisky was released in September 2017 as a new addition to the standard Jack Daniel’s lineup. Jack Daniel’s Rye is produced using a mash bill of 70% rye,18% corn and 12% malted barley.

It follows the same Lincoln County Process that makes Tennessee whiskey unique. It is a NAS release, and it also has a really good ABV.

Also Read: Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: Tropical banana, hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Cinnamon and sweetness.

PALATE: Freshly baked banana bread, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Drying cinnamon and nutmeg with hints of chocolate sweetness. Bits of oily wood and vanilla.

FINISH: Black pepper and spicy cinnamon and oak spices.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Jack Daniel’s Rye Tennessee whiskey has a medium body and an oily mouthfeel. The oak spices and cinnamon is captured by the oily wood for a warming finish. Not the most complex whiskey, but very drinkable. It reminds me of a traditional bourbon blended with a shot of grain whisky and a shot of more conventional rye.

It has the tropical fruit notes of grain whisky, balanced with the spicy rye notes with bits of bourbon vanilla and oak. However, it is softer and more refined than more traditional rye releases that I have tried in the past. Delicious and unique.

It is now widely available in South Africa and retails for around R320. I have seen it on Amazon for around £29. This makes it a great whiskey for cocktails. Affordable and a great taste.

Bradley mentioned that it would work wonderfully in a boulevardier cocktail and also a Bloody Mary. The best food pairing is with steak or with dark chocolate. That is a pairing I can get excited about. If you have not tried this yet, go out and grab a bottle. I did a side by side comparison between the Rye and Old No 7 to see how they differ and you can read it by following the link.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/10/2023

In Rye Whiskey

I have not had a rye whisky to review for such a long time. It is high time for something a bit more spicy and different, so today I look at the Sazerac Straight Rye whiskey. This whiskey is named after the Sazerac coffee house in New Orleans, which is deemed the birthplace of the famous Sazerac cocktail.

Rye whisky is slowly becoming more accessible in South Africa, and it is an excellent addition to the tasting range. During last months’ The Only Whisky Show, there were quite a few exciting rye releases available to taste including the Sagamore Spirit rye cask strength and the Double Oak.

Sazerac Rye is produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery. Other brands in the Buffalo Trace portfolio include WL Weller Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Blanton’s Bourbon and Fireball Cinnamon.

The Sazerac Straight Rye is aged for around 6 years and the whiskey has a mash bill of over 51% rye. I love the old school bottle shape that stands out compared to the other standard bottles on my whiskey shelf.

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Review

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Dark gold with hints of red.

NOSE: Sweetness blended with a variety of spices. Bits of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Woody notes with red berries, vanilla and caramel. Big and bold but not overwhelming. It promises a rich warming experience.

PALATE: Woody notes with spices mixed with fruit flavours and rich toffee notes. Cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper heat from the rye with a vanilla and caramel creaminess. The fruit from the nose translates to the palate with notes of red berries. Medium body and not the most complex dram. Water tones down the spicy heat and makes it very drinkable.

FINISH: Medium length ending in pepper spice and caramel.

RATING: EXCELLENT

John loves rye whiskey, and this is no exception. He loves the spicier palate. I prefer something a bit sweeter, but when you tone down the spicy notes with a bit of water, the Sazerac Rye becomes very drinkable. Even for my sweet palate. It is warming and inviting, and I did not mind a second glass.

The Sazerace Straight Rye whiskey is not that expensive. I see you can pick it up from Amazon for around £35. An affordable and versatile bottle to add to your drinks cabinet.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Rittenhouse Rye whiskey and the Sazerac Straight Rye, and if you follow the link you can see how they differ. I have also tasted a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release. A different spice profile, but still enjoyable.

What is a Sazerac cocktail?

Of course, I also had to try a Sazerac Cocktail. There are many variations of the Sazerac cocktail, but this one on the Liquor.com is probably the most widely quoted recipe that I have seen. It includes rinsing your glass with a bit of absinthe before muddling the sugar water and the bitters together. This version uses both cognac and rye whiskey.

This is a cocktail that I can drink regularly and will be making a more regular appearance on my cocktail trolley.