RITTENHOUSE 100 Proof 50%
Straight Rye, United States / Kentucky, 70cl, Ref: 487
Our experts reviews
“ When it comes to rye whiskey, three names immediately spring to mind: Sazerac, Van Winkle and Rittenhouse. The first two are extremely hard to come by in France. The same cannot be said for Rittenhouse, a tribute to the first colonials who landed in Philadelphia. Representing the best value for money in its category, it is a shining example of its kind. It is the pride and joy of Max Shapira, owner of the family-run Heaven Hill distillery in Louisville, where this authentic rye whiskey is made. La Maison du Whisky has been importing and distributing this multi-award-winning classic for over 19 years now - and we still love its violet liquorice notes as much as ever.Made from 51% minimum rye, rye whiskey was long classified as an ‘endangered species’, but has been returning to favour since the early 2000s. Still only available in a handful of expressions, it was, in its heyday, considered to be the classic richly flavoured American whiskey, before being supplanted by bourbon.
- Description
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Product details
- Type / Subtype : Whisky / Straight Rye
- Brand / Distillery : Rittenhouse / Heaven Hill
- Merchant : Official Bottler
- Strength : 50%
- Volume : 70cl
- Peated : Unpeated
- Packaging : Without Case
- SKU : 487
Expert Reviews
82 points, Serge Valentin on Whiskyfun, 2 September 2013
8/10 by Michael JacksonTasting note
- Appearance : Mahogany with coppery glints.
- Nose : Intense, concentrated. The rye really flexes its muscles, displaying its power and robustness. It is accompanied by balsamic notes and precious wood (eucalyptus, cedar). Heady florals gradually make an appearance (lily, iris butter). Very open, it displays a generous fruitiness (orange, greengage plum).
- Palate : Rich, full of freshness. Notes of freshly-cut grass and coriander lay side-by-side with candied citrus fruits (lemon, bergamot orange). Noble spices (cardamom, nutmeg) set the pace on the mid-palate. Turning slightly salty, empyreumatic (lime tree, cedar) and exotic (guava, passion fruit). A very fine-grain texture.
- Overall : Simultaneously voluptuous and firm. Precious wood ensures continuity with the finish. The rye confidently asserts its rigour and restraint. Dark chocolate and citrus fruit (tangerine, grapefruit) lend it incredible elegance. The retronasal olfaction here is spicy (cinnamon) and the empty glass is liquorice-inspired and fruity (mirabelle plum).
- The brand
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The distillery
America's largest family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, Heaven Hill Brands has grown beyond its traditional roots as a Bourbon distiller to become the country's seventh largest overall distilled spirits producer and marketer with a portfolio of well-known, innovative and relevant products. Heaven Hill remains the world's second largest holder of Bourbon Whiskey and produces some of the most successful distilled spirits brands in the U.S.