Whiskey Wednesday: Rittenhouse Rye

Rittenhouse Rye, and particularly, Rittenhouse 100, their 100 proof version, seems to be all the rage lately, gaining more write-ups than many other, better known ryes. The distillery seems to be positioning it as the poster child for the rye revival.

Produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Rittenhouse is a Kentucky straight rye which purports to be a "Pennsylvania style" rye (its name presumably comes from Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia). As I've noted before, prior to prohibition, rye distilleries dotted the mid-Atlantic seaboard, particularly in Pennsylvania and New York.

At 100 proof (50% alcohol), this rye packs a slightly greater punch than either the Sazerac or Old Potrero I reviewed over the last few weeks. The enhanced alcohol marries well with the rye flavors to give this whiskey a good balance. Your first taste will be the alcohol and then the rye floods in. Rittenhouse lacks the subtlety of the Sazerac and the intensity of the Old Potrero, but overall, it's an enjoyable whiskey.

To sum up: Another fine rye.

Rittenhouse 100 seems to be fairly available in LA liquor stores and is very affordable, clocking in at around $20, so check it out.

Next Wednesday: Sazerac 18 year old rye