While America was discovered on the fortunes of rum, whiskey raised the country’s infrastructure. Of course, whiskey’s have not always savoured the popularity seen today.
So this triplet of selections offers something for everybody: farm-to-glass rye, a pleasant celebrity collaboration, and a well-priced everyday sipper.
Organic Farm-to-Glass Rye – Hillrock Estate Distillery Double Cask Rye,
Price- $90
Rye was produced after the American Revolution. Rye became particularly popular in Maryland- support of rye wheat production and in the Northeast- Pennsylvania, New York.
Jeffrey Baker founded Hillrock Distillery based in New York’s Hudson Valley. He was a restaurateur, investment banker and a wine and spirits, enthusiast.
The Double Cask Rye goes through various ageing stages, conditioning through #2 and #3 char barrels, before ending in Rieussec barrel of Sauternes. The result is a spicy, creamy, assertive sip with espresso, botrytis-like apricot and cinnamon-maple notes underlined by a thread of rye bread.
Pleasant Celebrity Collaboration – Wild Turkey Longbranch
Price- $40
Founded in the 1940s, Wild Turkey has received its desired retail shelf space as a notable American brand.
This straight bourbon whiskey goes through one technique that separates it from its peers- filtration through charcoal and oak, an attempt for additional smoothness. The mash bill contains 12% malted barley, 13% rye and 75% corn. The nose is sweet and bright with orange blossom honey, citrus, caramel and a spicy rye note. On the palate, clove, vanilla and baking spices lead with rest echoing the nose.
Everyday Sipper – Barton 1792 Small Batch Bourbon
Price- $30
Barton 1792 makes a variety of spirits, many winning recognition and awards from whiskey writers.
Though unrevealed, the mash bill likely starts with “high rye” content of 15-17%, followed by 75% corn, with the remainder barley. This whiskey begins with the usual corn sweetness followed by a heavy rye kick and tint of heat. Expect classic notes of caramel, brown sugar, and waves of vanilla with orange peel and cinnamon spice. Will change in the bottle as you drink it, smoothing and mellowing out.
