Hochstadter's Vatted Straight Rye Whiskey

Strong and warm with an after-kick ; watch out

I am revisiting this side-by-side with Old Overholt BiB - another 100 proof rye within the same price range. By comparison, the Hochstadter's is absolutely spicier: it has much more of a spicy Pennsylvania rye character than the Old Overholt - but the Overholt excels in approachability. Creamier and more bourbon-like (to be expected with a 51% rye, high corn mash from Jim Beam designed to be a transitional rye). To be clear, the Hochstadter's is still not as spicy as Dad's Hat. It has a mild sweet cream creaminess, but not much else. I like it just fine, but it's lacking in flavor and character other than grassiness. I want more from this.

This is a really great rye for $35. I think it's better than HWRR as the makeup of that brand has shifted dramatically as they run out of 16 year Barton. It has more of a typical rye profile than Pikesville--which I think is great--but this is ~$15 cheaper. It can stand up to any of the overpriced Whistlepigs, including the laughable Black Prince; same with Michter's. It's infinitely better than Sazerac, which is about the same price but has declined precipitously in quality. In a crazy market it's bottles like this that prove you can still find great rye & bourbon at reasonable prices--which was one of the primary allures of these spirits to begin with.

A solid damn rye! I’m sure this would be nice in a cocktail but sipping it is so nice

Great rye. Maybe better on rocks. Will try again. Definitely great cocktail rye.

Bold and spicy

N: Sweet vanilla and baking spice P: Spice bomb. Gingerbread. It's Christmas in a drink. F: Long and flavorful. Slight char with the continued spice.