Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey

My first experience with rye whisky was earlier in the year when I tasted the Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye. Rye based whisky is relatively unknown in SA. I liked the spiciness of rye and looked around for some more.

I saw a few more releases, such as the Pappy van Winkle Family Reserve 13 yo at R 19 000 a bottle.  Hmmm;  slightly out of my budget. Fortunately for me, I found this bottle of Rittenhouse Straight Rye whiskey at WhiskyBrother for a lot less.

Before  Prohibition, rye whiskey distilleries dotted the Pennsylvania landscape. Rye was the most popular grain American farmers’ distilled regularly. Rye grain is easy to grow and durable. Surplus grain was fermented and distilled, which was a cheaper option than transporting it to other areas.

Also Read: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye

Produced in the tradition of the classic Pennsylvania or “Monongahela” rye whiskies, Rittenhouse is a well-known rye enjoying a comeback throughout the USA, as today’s American whisky consumer re-discovers classic whiskey styles.

Likewise, the brand is beloved by mixologists for its robust style and enjoys a renaissance as cocktails regain popularity. Prohibition destroyed the rye whiskey industry. After Prohibition, Americans adjusted their palates towards the softer Canadian whiskies and sweeter bourbons.

Rye whiskey was relegated to the back room. However, slowly over the years, rye crept back. Micro distilleries across Pennsylvania and New York are releasing new rye whiskies regularly. Rye has increasingly been in demand since the 2016 Whisky Bible rated the Crown Royal Northern Harvest rye as their top whisky. A rye whiskey reawakening.

The Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye was a polarizing whisky. Some people loved it; some people could not understand the hype. For me, however, it opened a new taste avenue.

I find rye whiskies slightly spicier than the traditional bourbons, and the new flavour nuances have interesting possibilities with food pairings. Heaven Hill Distilleries produce the Rittenhouse rye. The Rittenhouse rye is aged for 4 years.

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Spicy and rich. Notes of nutmeg, eucalyptus and vanilla. Faint hints of fresh-cut grass, lemon blossom and liquorice.

PALATE: Freshly baked lemon sugar biscuits and spices.  Adding water releases more vanilla notes.

FINISH: Medium length that ends in spicy notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Probably not the best rye on the market, but a decent mouthful. My brother, not usually a whisky drinker, joined me for the tasting. He finished his glass, without water, even before I could finish writing down my tasting notes.

So it can’t be too bad. It might be that I rate this rye whisky highly because of my limited experience with rye whiskey. But I will look out for more rye releases so that I can do a better comparison. John liked the spiciness of Rittenhouse Rye, and I liked the sweeter notes.

I paired this Rittenhouse Rye with some Cadbury Milk chocolates. I have also done a side by side comparison between the Rittenhouse Rye and the Sazerac Rye whiskey to see how much they differ.

I have also tasted a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release.  A different spice profile, but interesting.

Also Read: Pikesville Rye Whiskey