Rittenhouse Rye

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As we have often in the past, today Talking Bourbon will be Talking Rye, tasting Rittenhouse Rye from Heaven Hill. Rittenhouse sells for around $20, is 100 proof (bottled in bond) and comes in an ordinary screw top bottle.  We had no problem finding a bottle.

NOSE:

Todd:    I could definitely smell the Rye along with a sweet, caramel, malty aroma. I also got some kind of black fruit with a little bit of banana and mint.

Ron:    I also picked up the caramel and a little bit of the malt. Also detected some oak and pear aromas. Under all that, I got a smell that reminded me of clean linen.

TASTE:

Todd:   Hot neat but not bad, liked it better with a few cubes. I tasted the Rye and sweetness I got on the nose along with vanilla and a light touch of chocolate. Not quite as spicy as other Rye’s.

Ron:   I tasted  sweet\spicy notes with more sweetness than spice. Also got some caramel and a touch of honey.

FINISH:

Todd:  Medium, the heat stays longer than the taste. Detected a bit of mint along with some ginger and caramel.

Ron:     Medium to medium-long with some hints of vanilla.

OVERALL

Todd:   Even though it didn’t shine in any one category, the whole was much better than the sum. I really enjoyed this Rye.

Ron:     I thought this was a good Rye but drinks more like a high rye Bourbon. A lot sweeter than most Rye’s. I will have a bottle in my cabinet soon since this one is Todd’s.

Nose      3.75 out of 5

Taste      8.25 out of 10

Finish     3.75 out of 5

Total  Score            15.75  Barrels out of  20

We both really liked Rittenhouse Rye. Even at 100 proof it is drinkable neat, but really shines with a cube or two.  Also, the higher proof makes for a real good cocktail. At $20 or so you won’t mind using it as a mixer.

Final verdict, you need a bottle of this in your cabinet.

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