Nose: Rye spice, orange, vanilla, light oak
Taste: Spices, orange, vanilla, cloves, honey cream
Review:
Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey is made by Heaven Hill, aged for 6 years and bottled at 110 proof. The mash bill is 51% rye, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley. It has that spicy thick flavor on the tongue due to the mash bill and alcohol level so you get a lot of “bang for your buck”.
This high proof on Pikesville Rye allows it to hold its own corner of the Rye Whiskey market. Rye might be one of the original grains to create whiskey, but it is not that popular as compared to corn and barley. I do not see a lot of Rye on the shelves, nor do I see many at 110 proof. Pikesville appears to have found a good area of the market.
Pikesville was first produced in Maryland in the 1890’s but its production came to an end in the early 1970’s. Today it is produced by Heaven Hill (Elijah Craig, Larceny, Evan Williams, etc.) and distilled by the Bernheim Distillery. In 2015 and 2016 it won some awards, but the more I learn about whiskey awards the less I trust them. I’ve come to believe it is all bought and paid for ahead of time.
Pikesville Rye is nice stuff and I was surprised by it in a good way. The burn on the tongue is not too bad at 110 proof. Naturally, the high proof requires a little water to soften the whiskey and let the flavors out. You could drink Pikesville neat or with a splash of water, but it would be far better in a cocktail.
Price around $50 and worth it if you like a rye whiskey cocktail.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
