rye whiskey review

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey Review
Photo courtesy of Jack Daniel's.

Photo courtesy of Jack Daniel’s.

During the summer of 2014, I had a chance to talk to Jeff Arnett, the Master Distiller of Jack Daniel’s.  Towards the end of the brief interview he mentioned the upcoming rye whiskey release.  Fast forward a year and a half to March 2016, and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye (JDSBR) begins hitting shelves.

This rye expression is the distillery’s first new mashbill in 100 years.  Like Arnett stated in that interview, the mashbill is broken down to 70% rye, 18% corn and 12% malted barley.  The high percentage of rye grain should show up in the nose and palate.  Considering their traditional mash bill is 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye, it’s apparent the company wants to showcase a big rye note in the final product.

JDSBR is bottled at 94 proof and is the newest addition to the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel lineup.  It offers no age statement, which is consistent with every other offering from the distillery.  Arnett says, “You never want to over-barrel a rye whiskey so it was important for us to stay true to the style of grain forward character rather than barrel character while still allowing our barrels to interplay with the whiskey.”

There has been some talk online about wide barrel variation for Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof, the company’s last release.   Some folks claim their whiskey was not of quality, whereas I tasted whiskey from two different barrels and found both to be delicious.  I’m curious to see how this new offering will fare.

Although the mashbill has changed, the nose is unmistakably a member of the Jack Daniel’s family.  Rye grain leads off the nose, followed by familiar JD notes of sweet caramel, banana, and a little oak.  The entry is a mixture of sweet and spicy.  Rye grain is showcased nicely, providing that spiciness and a bit of sharpness.  Caramel and that JD banana note add sweetness and some richness.  The oak note comes in close to the medium-length finish, which is a touch astringent and leaves behind a sweet note.

You know, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye is pretty darn good, especially for the suggested price of $49.99.  It’s pretty much what I expected from a JD rye whiskey.  It keeps the JD characteristics, but focuses on the rye grain.  Arnett and his team have not allowed the barrel influence to dominate the whiskey.  Assuming the whiskey makers are picking great barrels, I have a feeling this will be a hit for the company.

Give this one a chance.  I think you’ll like what you taste.

8/10
(Note: A small review sample was provided by Jack Daniel’s.)

Michter’s US*1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Michters SB Rye

In Spring 2015, Michter’s released a barrel-strength rye whiskey, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  It was one of my favorite rye whiskies of the year, of the “semi-easily-obtainable” variety.   That limited release is bottled in batches.  As part of their standard lineup, Michter’s offers a single barrel rye whiskey, which is what we’re looking at here.

Bottled at an easy-going 84.8 proof, Michter’s Single Barrel Rye is readily available on store shelves.  It carries an age statement of “at least thirty six months,” on the back label.  Since this is a single barrel release, some barrels may be older than others.  My particular sample bottle is from barrel #15F533.  A bottle will cost you around $40.

Soft rye grain hits the nose first, along with anise.  Sweetness presents itself in the form of caramel candy (think Werther’s Originals) and root beer.  Taste-wise, a sweetened rye grain is prominent, all the while cinnamon and ginger tickle the tongue.  Some mint and a hint of dark chocolate develop late, and the mint note carries onto the clean finish.

I like this one.  Where I found some other Michter’s expressions a little too low on proof, for some reason I think this rye is bottled just right.  Maybe it’s the ease of sipping this rye whiskey.  I’m used to 90 proof and higher rye whiskies, and this provides a different experience.  Plus, the clean minty finish is a nice touch and very welcome.

7.5/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by Michter’s.)

Pikesville Rye Whiskey Review

Pikesville Rye

Pikesville Rye Whiskey is one of Heaven Hill Brands’ latest additions to their whiskey portfolio.  The name Pikesville Rye dates back to the late 1800s.  It survived several ownerships, finally landing under Heaven Hill in the early 1980s.  Pikesville Rye was and still is produced as an 80 proof, 3-year-old rye whiskey distributed in Maryland, where the brand originated.  With rye whiskey’s ever-growing popularity, Heaven Hill decided to expand into the super-premium rye whiskey category.  Using the history and heritage of the Pikesville Rye brand, Heaven Hill reimagined the whiskey as a six year, 110 proof rye whiskey.  It joins Rittenhouse Rye as their other rye whiskey.  It’s two years older and 10 proof points higher than Rittenhouse.

The nose here is sweet and spicy, with brown sugar, caramel, and rye spice.  There’s a nice undercurrent of mild banana and fresh mint.  Full bodied, Pikesville Rye has a spicy entry.  Sweet rye, cinnamon and caramel dominate the palate.  Just past orange honey and oak notes linger.  The finish is warm and long, bittersweet and spicy.

All in all, Pikesville Rye is a nice step-up from the younger Rittenhouse.  If forced to choose a sipper between the two, I would go with Pikesville over Rittenhouse nine times out of ten.  It’s got more body and a bigger bite.  Best of all, it’s reasonably priced at $49.99 for a 750ml bottle.

8.5/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by Heaven Hill Brands.)