Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond
In-Depth Review
After naming Pikesville Rye my favorite rye less than 6 months ago, I wanted to examine its younger sibling – Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond. Rittenhouse is also produced by Heaven Hill and is a BIB product which means it is at least 4 years old, 100 proof, distilled in one season, and aged in a federal bonded warehouse. Historically Bottled-in-Bond was a testament to quality. But with Pikesville stealing the spotlight with its 110 proof and over 6-year age statement, Rittenhouse hasn’t enjoyed the same excitement around it.
Rittenhouse is often overlooked by enthusiasts because its readily available, doesn’t have great name recognition, and is mostly delegated to cocktails. In fact, Rittenhouse is a bartender favorite because it has solid proof, great taste, and is easily found under $25. Truly an excellent go-to mixer for your favorite Old Fashioned or Manhattan. And while few think of Rittenhouse as a sipper, how does it do on its own? Is it worth pouring solo, or should this stay your go-to Old Fashioned rye?
Age: At Least 4 Years
ABV: 50%
Cask: Virgin Oak
MSRP: $25
Distillery Name: Heaven Hill
Review Date: 1/5/21
Color: Mahogany
Nose: The nose starts off sweet with a wintergreen undertone. The ethanol comes through a bit harshly at first but eventually settles down in the glass well. As the whisky sits more sweet candy cane peppermint notes come through with toasted sugars and a touch of floral notes as well.
Palate: When sipping this whisky, you are greeted with soft, enveloping flavors of vanilla, toasted wood, and a bit of char. Some more minty and baking spices come through but overall, the flavors here are very gentle. There’s light brown sugar, and all of the quintessential flavors of a barely legal rye. The mouthfeel is good, not excellent. It’s not incredibly thick, but also feels solid enough at 100 proof that it doesn’t feel “watered down”. It’s an easy whisky to sip and isn’t as big or dramatic as its bigger and older brother Pikesville.
Finish: Medium that builds over time. The finish includes small waves of clove and cinnamon, with a touch of drying heat. The spice lingers on the back of the tongue and on the side cheeks, creating a rewarding finish without any overt burn.
Final Thoughts: Rittenhouse is an excellent whisky. It has great gentle flavors, a good proof, and presents great value and availability. It stands up well in cocktails and provides just a little of that rye spice without feeling like licking the side of a pine tree. Does Pikesville achieve higher heights? Yes. Pikesville does offer more flavor and more punch – but at a cost. Rittenhouse gets you 75% to Pikesville at 50% of the cost. And if I was on a budget I would stock this alongside Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond and be set. The whisky pair on a budget.
