Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond

Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond has been receiving a lot of good press lately, and for good reason. This American straight rye whiskey has been around for many years, but has become an everyday rye whiskey for many rye lovers. Before we go any further, you might be wondering what Bottled in Bond means. Here’s the official definition:

“To be labeled as “Bottled-in-Bond” or “Bonded,” the spirit must be the product of one distillation season and one distiller at one distillery. It must have been stored (i.e., aged) in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years and bottled at 100 (U.S.) proof (50% alcohol by volume). The bottled product’s label must identify the distillery (by DSP number) where it was distilled and, if different, where it was bottled.” [Wikipedia]

Now that you know what Bottled in Bond means, let’s get onto the review!

Rittenhouse pours a deep amber, a bit darker than your average bourbon. On the nose, you’re immediately hit with spicy cloves and rye. Notes of caramel, butterscotch, and burnt bananas are also present. Upon tasting, flavors of dark rum, brown sugar, and dark chocolate pop. I happened to be eating Riesen candies before doing this review, and this whiskey had a lot of those same flavors. More rye, spice, and caramel arrive later in the finish. The whiskey leaves your palate a bit dry, but there is also definitely a lingering sweetness. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a $14-20 whiskey.

Overall, this is an outstanding rye, and is definitely up there with more pricey ryes, including the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye. The best thing about the Rittenhouse Rye, besides its flavor profile, is its price; the person I traded with picked this up for $13.99 at his local liquor store. I would be willing to say that this is the best value in American whiskey, and possibly in all spirits, on the market today. It is a great sipping whiskey and also makes one hell of a Manhattan. I would not hesitate to pick up a case of this, it really is that good.