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Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Tuesday Tasting: Rittenhouse Rye 21-Year-Old


Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we head to Kentucky to try a 21-year-old rye.

There is something about whiskey when it has been aged 12 or more years. The marriage that takes place between the distilled spirit and the wood barrel can be magical. Younger whiskey can be full of flavor, but a mature whiskey has an extra level of character that only time can supply. That's why I expected quite a bit recently when I had the chance to try Heaven Hill Distillery's newly released 21-year-old Rittenhouse Rye. I was not disappointed.

This 100 proof whiskey has a rich nose, with hints of vanilla, toffee, marzipan and cherries laced together throughout a broad flavor profile. There was plenty of toasted wood in the base, making this a drink to linger over. At $145 a bottle, this is a special occasion beverage and we should all hope to have plenty of celebrations giving us an excuse to consume this fine whiskey.

This has to be one of the top whiskeys of any type to be released during 2006. I have grown to enjoy rye whiskey and Rittenhouse only further increases my appreciation of the style. If you see it on the market don't miss your chance to give it a try.

1 comment:

Rick Lyke said...

Sounds like this has to be added to my list of "I've got to try that ones." The list just keeps getting longer! Not a problem when distillers keep turning out great whiskey.