Rittenhouse Rye Bottled in Bond

Following up on my review of Pikesville Straight Rye is this review for its younger cousin, Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye. The information I could find for this Heaven Hill offering seems to vary a bit depending on where you look and I couldn’t locate an official Heaven Hill specifications page for it. In any case, feel free to chime in if you are aware of one - this is the best I could find for now. Mash Bill: 51% Rye, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley Age: 4 years ABV: 50% Price: $19.99 (typically seen for $20-$25) Nose: Surprisingly soft and mellow. Dusty cherries, malty grains, breakfast cereal. Buttery oiliness. I wish it was socially acceptable to have this for breakfast. Palate: Rich, oily mouthfeel with gentle rye spice. Peaches and cherries, vanilla, nutmeg, smokey char, and little bits of flake salt. Finish: Medium length. Sweet and fruity, with mild spice, smoke, and amber maple syrup sweetness. Overall Impressions: Not quite as intense or complex as the Pikesville, but still very good in its own right. I think this bottle has either softened a bit since I first first opened it or I have been drinking too much rye lately. It doesn’t seem nearly as spicy as it used to be so I’m curious how the next bottle I crack open will compare. In any case, this is a remarkable bottle for the price (~$20) and something that will always be in my home bar. It is excellent neat or as a mixer. I highly recommend this take a place on your shelf too! 3.75 ~ 85 ~ Good

Lots of notes of cherry, peaches, and other stone fruits on the nose. Has the hallmark rye spiciness, but balanced with the fruit notes. Very good rye for the price and my go to house rye.

Strong, interesting tasting . Chewed in the inside of the lip with your tongue. Very strong. Not a big fan.