Review: Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky Bottled in Bond
Review: Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky Bottled in Bond
One of the classic examples of this spirit, Rittenhouse is a 4-plus-year-old, 100 proof bottled-in-bond rye, made from a surprisingly low-rye mashbill of 51% rye, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley. The winner of all sorts of accolades and awards, the Heaven Hill-produced Rittenhouse Rye Whisky (the company’s spelling) recently updated its packaging with a “1930s inspired” label. (Fun fact: the brand was known as Rittenhouse Square Rye at the time.)
But inside the bottle, nothing seems to have changed. But here are some fresh thoughts on Rittenhouse based on a fresh tasting.
Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky Bottled in Bond Review
The nose is racy — iconically “rye” — filled with baking spices but also crushed red pepper notes that hint at heat. The palate is initially a bit hot — a drop of water or a few minutes are all it takes to let the vapors dissipate — but it quickly settles down to reveal layers of fun stuff. Gingerbread, orange peel, creme brulee, dark chocolate, light wood oils… all of these elements combine to create a really lush, pretty whole with just the right amount of wood. With a near-perfect flavor profile and just the right mix of bite and sweetness on the finish, Rittenhouse continues to hit it out of the park, and at these prices, it’s no wonder that many stores limit how many bottles you can buy.
100 proof.
A / $26 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky Bottled in Bond
USD26
This is good stuff, but it isn’t 100% rye. The high corn content is what makes this taste more boubon-y than other ryes.
51/37/12
rye/corn/barley
Thanks drunk – that was a major goof up on my part. Post amended.
Such a great rye, not sure why it took me so long to buy it myself. The other great aspect of Rittenhouse is that it may be the best cocktail-rye I have ever used, great flavors the mix with others will but strong enough to not get covered up!
I drink Knob Creek Rye–Is Rittenhouse comparable?
In the ballpark. Both are 100 proof at least… but Rittenhouse is a bit better and more of a “true” rye in my book. Both are worthwhile.
Su;rprising. Most critics seem to think the Pikesville which is the big brother is better. Your reviews indicate the reverse.