Rittenhouse Rye Bottled in Bond

Hot up front. Sweetens up with a few drops of water

I've been using Rittenhouse as my bar rye for several months. One of the aspects that I enjoy about Rittenhouse, is that it differs in mashbill from the MGP rye bottlings that dominate this price range such as Dickel, Bulleit, Smooth Ambler, Templeton, etc. It sports a low rye mashbill of 51% rye, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley. Chestnut color. The corn is immediately apparent on the nose with notes of caramel, brown sugar, white sugar, lilting towards saltwater taffy and confectionary sugar as it sits. There's an abundance of rye spice, particularly cinnamon -- which dominates start to finish. Unique from many ryes in this price point are aromas of dried fruits like raisins and figs, funky rotting apples or custard apples (cherimoya). Fresh mint and menthol also play a much bigger role as one goes down the bottle. There's also plenty of nut -- particularly peanut. However, the nose is more muted than one would hope given the ABV. The palate is sugary and unctuous with an abundance of dried fruits, raisins, cherry cola, and cinnamon. On the finish the cinnamon takes over, but fresh mint, burnt sugar, and menthol play supporting roles. Not the most complex whiskey, but very solid in this price point. I really enjoy its distinct character. Definitely a rye for bourbon drinkers, but priced friendly enough for all drinkers.

Great for the price. Enjoyable as a sipper, but awesome for cocktails. The rye spice is good but not overpowering...it has plenty of sweetness to balance it out.

Upper middle class mixing rye

Classic rye. Must have.

good mixer