Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information
Rittenhouse Rye Review
Rittenhouse Rye is said to get its name from Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. It is an older brand, which eventually was acquired by Heaven Hill. Rye was once America's spirit. There were two main styles of rye - Maryland Rye, which had a relatively low rye content (but at least 51%), with the rest of mash bill being made up generally of corn and malted barley. Pennsylvania (or Monongahela) Rye had a very high rye content, more similar to the 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill that has become synonymous with MGP rye today.
Rittenhouse
Straight Rye Whiskey
Bottled-In-Bond
100 Proof
Distilled & Bottled by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc
KY DSP KY 1; KY DSP KY 31
MSRP: ~$28+
Review
Please enjoy our Rittenhouse Rye Review!
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Named After Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Rye is said to get its name from Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. It is an older brand, which eventually was acquired by Heaven Hill. Rye was once America’s spirit. There were two main styles of rye – Maryland Rye, which had a relatively low rye content (but at least 51%), with the rest of mash bill being made up generally of corn and malted barley. Pennsylvania (or Monongahela) Rye had a very high rye content, more similar to the 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill that has become synonymous with MGP rye today.
Since Philadelphia is closer to Maryland than to the Monongahela Valley, it is not clear exactly which style this rye was originally. However, today, its mash bill is closer to a Maryland rye, which is similar to Kentucky rye: 51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley.
Most people have heard of Bottled in Bond Bourbons, but what about a Bottled in Bond rye? Rye can’t be Bottled in Bond you might be thinking. “Rye” not??? Of course it can, if it follows the exact same Bottled in Bond rules. Any spirit can be bottled in bond, but of course unaged spirits (Bottled in Bond spirits have to be aged at least 4 years) or spirits with any additives (additives are not allowed in Bottled in Bond) wouldn’t qualify.
Tasting Notes
Let’s taste it:
🛌 Rested for 15 minutes in a Heaven Hill Distillery 85th Anniversary glass
👉Nose: Baking spices, some citrus, a hint of anise, sweet caramel, a touch of leather and more alcohol than I would have expected
👉Taste: Baking spices, honey sweetness, some barrel char; medium bodied and crisp
👉Finish: The char and dryness gradually rise to the forefront, but some honey sweetness and light rye spices remain. Moderately long with a light burn.
Summary
Rittenhouse Rye is a very pleasant rye, and honestly one that I more frequently use in cocktails than I drink neat. That, as I understand it, may be Heaven Hill’s intent. Have you had this rye? What do you think of it? Cheers!🥃
Want to read about another rye from Heaven Hill Distillery? Check out our review of Pikesville Rye!
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About the Editor: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.
Ed can be found on social media on Instagram at @bourbon_obsessed and on Facebook at @BourbonObsessed
About the author: Ed Escott is truly "Bourbon Obsessed". He is the founder of Bourbon Obsessed, LLC, and an Executive Bourbon Steward of the Stave and Thief Society. In addition, he has authored and edited over 600 bourbon and other whiskey reviews, over 50 in-depth distillery write-ups, and many other related articles. He is on the board of the Kentucky Bourbon Influencers and a member of the Lexington Bourbon Society and the Bourbon Capital Guild. Last, but not least, Ed has attended many bourbon-related educational sessions, visited countless distilleries, and is on a never-ending quest to try every bourbon.
Prior to focusing solely on Bourbon Obsessed, Ed practiced in academic medicine for three decades. He most recently was a Professor at the University of Kentucky and served as Chief of the Division of Neuroradiology and Vice Chair For Faculty Mentoring, Development & Wellness of the Department of Radiology. He has extensive editorial experience in academic medical publication, and brings that same academic mindset to Bourbon Obsessed, which is a unique approach for a spirit-focused media company.
Ed can be found on social media on Instagram at @bourbon_obsessed and on Facebook at @BourbonObsessed
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