Review: Jim Beam Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection – High Rye
Review: Jim Beam Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection – High Rye
Hey, remember last September when Jim Beam rolled out two oddball whiskeys in its 6-whiskey series called the Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection — Soft Red Wheat and Brown Rice? Well now two more are coming out — Rolled Oat and High Rye. We actually reviewed Rolled Oat in the above link (and tragically have yet to get our lips on the Brown Rice expression), but today we’re going to look at High Rye.
As a reminder, these are all bourbons, each made with one unusual grain in the mashbill. As with the others, High Rye is at least 51% corn and includes some amount of malted barley — but in this case there’s ample rye in the mash (the total amount isn’t disclosed). As with the other six expressions, High Rye is aged 11 years before bottling at 90 proof.
This whiskey was of course dreamed up well before the current RyeMania hit, so back in 2004, Fred Noe probably had no idea that “high rye” bourbons were going to be insanely popular (and even less of an idea that straight rye whiskey would be a big deal). That makes the Harvest Bourbon Collection High Rye a little less special than, say, the one made with oats, but it’s still a compelling spirit and a welcome friend to the Harvest Collection.
This is textbook “high rye” whiskey, a chewy and racy bourbon that is dripping with baking spices. Cinnamon, mint, tree sap, and baked apples all make an appearance on the nose. Big and pushy, it’s downright heady with the aromas of the bakery. On the palate, more of that classic rye character quickly comes to the fore. Amidst the apple pie and gingerbread notes emerge some traditional wood barrel notes, vanilla and lumberyard intertwined. The finish is long and punchy, a spicy fade-out that’s hard not to keep sipping on. Drink it neat, no water.
90 proof.
A / $50 (375ml) / jimbeam.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Jim Beam Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection – High Rye
$50
Related Stories:
Review: Jim Beam Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection – Brown Rice
Review: Jim Beam Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection – Soft Red Wheat and Rolled Oat
Review: Jim Beam Signature Craft Harvest Bourbon Collection – Triticale and Six Row Barley
Review: Jim Beam Bourbon Signature Craft 12 Years Old & Signature Craft Rare Spanish Brandy Bourbon 2013
I’m guessing this is simply an 11 year old Old Grand-Dad that required no foresight whatever except to keep a few barrels in the warehouse for a longer period. That’s not criticism, as OGD is a personal favorite, and I applaud Beam’s decision to hold some back for a special release…unless I’m totally off base here.
I love Jim Beam Products and this one sounds like another good one!!!! Jim Beam can be drank straight or mixed with soda, but I prefer their products straight. It is a good cold remedy mixed with honey and warm water!!!!