Meeting #9: October '24 - Season of the Rye

The bourbon club has gone rogue. The crisp autumn air was just asking for some rye spice! For our October meeting, we sampled 3 VERY different rye whiskeys, one of which was quite unique. Rye seemed to be a bit polarizing with the group - we have some rye lovers, and some who'd rather not - but I think it's interesting to taste what rye has to offer, as it can present some interesting smells and flavors. After all, it is a key ingredient in many bourbons and is often responsible for the spice, citrus, and herbal notes we ramble off as we sip. So, rye night was a bit of a research session!

And now, the line up...

#1) Templeton Rye Tequila Cask Finish (Red Hook, NY)92 proof / Aged 6 years /$55

95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley.

HF Avg: 3.04

NOSE: Sweet with caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar. Rye spices with cinnamon and citrus. As the glass empties, the oak becomes more prominent.

TASTE: Brown Sugar, vanilla, classic rye spice and citrus.

FINISH: Definitely traditional rye spice with a soft lingering sweetness.

This high-rye has a lot of the traditional rye spice. However, finishing in Tequila casks adds a hint of the tequila notes. Its subtle though, which adds a little uniqueness without going overboard. An interesting twist on a classic rye. The club stayed pretty close around 3.0 mark, not too wide of a spread. So I think this is a safe 3 on the HF scale.

#2) Basil Hayden Dark Rye 

80 proof / Aged 8 years /$45

Blend of American and Canadian Rye Whiskeys, with California Port.

HF Avg: 3.26

NOSE: Rich fruit, like strawberry jam and dark cherries. Very wine forward with the rye whiskey spices cutting through.

TASTE: Fruit forward, cherry, plum, currants. Rye spice lingers in the background.

FINISH: Taste continues through the finish.

A very interesting blend, and for a great price. Our group includes quite a few port fans, so this scored really well. This would make for a nice little post dinner desert!#3) Pikesville Rye 6 Year

110 proof / Aged 6 years /$65

51% Rye, 39% Corn, 10% Malted Barley

HF Avg: 3.05

NOSE: Sweet and Spicy. Cherry pie and cinnamon apples

TASTE: Cherry syrup with underlying cinnamon and vanilla.

FINISH: Warmth balances the cherry sweetness.

Pikesville balances the sweet, the heat, and the spice with this 6-year. Scores stayed pretty consistent around the 3 mark, so its safe to say this is a solid rye. For $65, you might be paying a little more for a 3.0, but then again, the 110 proof adds some value. Pikesville is part of the Heaven Hill lineup, and they are putting out some great stuff!

We'll see you November 12th for Show 'N Sip part 2!!