Rye Whiskey is a category packed with flavor and personality. In this post, I suggest three expressions that should satisfy the tastes of different palates. Two of these ryes I have reviewed in previous posts, and one that I forgot I had. These are 3 rye whiskeys you should try now.
A Light-Bodied Rye Whiskey
Whiskey: Putnam Rye Whiskey
Producer: Boston Harbor Distillery
Distillery: Boston Harbor Distillery
Whisky Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
Region: Massachusetts, USA
Age: At least 2 years
ABV: 43%
Cask: New charred American oak
Price Range: $$
From the website:
“Boston Harbor Distillery was founded by Rhonda Kallman in 2012 to make whole-grain whiskey and other inventive spirits. She is considered one of America’s craft beverage industry thought leaders and as the pioneering woman in the beer industry, was able to lead the way for other women to earn the respect and credibility they deserve. After a decades-long career at the forefront of the U.S. craft beer movement, she founded Boston Harbor Distillery to produce her first love, whiskey in her beloved city of Boston.”
Putnam Straight Rye has 95% rye grain and 5% two-row malted barley aged in toasted and heavy charred barrels (level 4) for at least two years. Here are the notes.
Nose: Aromas of caramel, toasted oak, spices, and smoke.
Palate: A mild arrival of vanilla and sweet flavors that develop into smoke, toasted oak, and spices. The whiskey has a light texture and is not a rye-forward whiskey. Those who enjoy a balance between sweetness and smoke should try this expression. Adding water might dilute this rye.
Finish: Medium. Toasted oak, salt, and spices linger on the palate. There is also a dry sensation, but nothing too extreme.
Score: 3.75/5⭐
A Full-Bodied Rye Whiskey
Whiskey: LAWS Whiskey House San Luis Valley Straight Rye (check a full review here)
Producer: Al Laws
Distillery: LAWS Whiskey House
Whisky Type: Straight Rye Batch 4 (Bonded)
Region: Denver, Colorado, USA
Age: 7 years
ABV: 50%
Cask: New charred American oak
Price Range: $$
LAWS Straight Rye caught my attention for its assertive flavors. Here are the tasting notes from a recent review. A full-bodied rye for those who want intensity. Here are the notes:
Nose: Intense aromas of cinnamon, smoke, fruits, and plenty of spices. I also noticed a darker hue than other American ryes, probably due to more barrel influence at high altitudes. The color reminds me of Scotch aged in sherry Oloroso casks.
Palate: The arrival is sweet with fruits, followed by an intense flavor of spices (i.e., Pepper, clove, cumin, cinnamon) and a dry and smoky oak flavor. Adding a teaspoon of water brings apples and honey to the front and softens but does not drown the flavors.
Finish: Long, spicy and oaky. Very Intense and flavorful.
Score: 4.25/5⭐
The Christmas Cake Rye Whiskey
Whiskey: J.P. Wiser’s Red Letter Distillery Edition Canadian Whisky
Producer: Pernod Ricard
Distillery: Hiram Walker & Sons
Whisky Type: Canadian Whisky
Mash Bill: 100% Rye
Region: Windsor, Ontario
Age: 15 years
ABV: 45%
Aged in Cask: Ex-bourbon
Finish: New oak barrels
Price Range: $$
Master Blender Don Livermore suggested I purchase this rye on my visit to the distillery, and he was right on the money. Those who have tried Panettone cake will relate. Here are the notes:
Nose: Nice aromas of oak, vanilla, and Christmas spices (ginger and cinnamon).
Palate: A sweet and fruity arrival with baking spices develops into a nice rye and oak spicy flavor that complements the initial sweetness. Rich and complex. Adding water brings up the baking spices.
Finish: Long with rich notes of caramel and oak.
Score: 4.25/5⭐
I hope you enjoyed this review.More pics and videos available on Instagram. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers!
Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$
