The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Randall H. Borkus
Rating: C+
Black Maple Hill Oregon Rye
(Credit: Randall H. Borkus)
Black Maple Hill Rye is not a distillery, but a label owned by Paul Joseph from California. Joseph worked with Kentucky Bourbon Distillers “KBD “ (now known primarily as Willett, and bottlers of Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, etc…) for many years. So, Black Maple Hill whiskey was originally sourced from KBD, who in turn sourced their own whiskey from somewhere else. There have been varying opinions relative to the true sources of this famous nectars made by the Black Maple Hill brand. At present, the label for the straight rye tells us it is made in Oregon: “Produced for Black Maple Hill® by Stein Distillery® Joseph, Oregon”.
For me, the main problem isn’t where it came from so much as finding a bottle, which is what I advise everyone to focus on as a general rule. In this specific instance, Black Maple Hill Oregon Rye is not regularly available in the Midwest, and if you do find it the price point may stress your pocket book. Then again, if you are into buying rye whiskey regularly you are comfortable paying more now than you would have anticipated just five years ago.
My first pour of Black Maple Hill Rye came from the shelfs of one of my favorite restaurants downtown Sarasota Florida, “State Street Eating House + Cocktails”. The Black Maple Oregon was just sitting there on the shelf, surrounded by a deep collection of other rye whiskeys. There is a sense of antiquity about the label which is a sketch of a Kentucky forest, with script writing, making for a very rustic look. The bottle is short and stout coming in the standard 750ml. The real question for me was will the rye hold up or disappoint my taste buds? After all, I’m always in search of the next best whiskey flavor spectacular!
The Whiskey
The color is a dark brown with copper overtones. On first pour the glass gives off an assorted nose with hints of licorice, dried fruit, and almond or nutmeg all nestled in a stealthy reminiscence of oak. The vapors are not overpowering and easy on the nostrils. I took some extra time here to admire the aroma and found it a pleasurable beginning to this taste adventure.
The mouth feel is thin with a medium warm sensation on the tongue and an upfront sweetness of licorice and more almond and nutmeg. The juice settles in the back of the throat with candy sweetness, nutmeg, hints of pistachio and oak spice. It has a medium finish that is warm and smooth with a tingle of sweet cinnamon, nutmeg and that reminiscence of the oak spice.
This juice drinks like a smooth young whiskey. The ABV is 47.5% with no age statement, with some observers guessing it is in the two to four year range. Overall, this whiskey is good, but for my money it is just overpriced as there are so many enjoyable rye expressions available to the rye whiskey craving mobs.
The Price
I was able to secure a bottle for $79.99 in Sarasota, and found available online in a wide range running from $70 to $150.
I have this one as well. It really isn’t anything special. Your money is better spent on others.
I have this bottle as well. It is a complete marketing gimmick on behalf of Paul Joseph/CVI Brands. They slapped a BMH label on a bottle of craft rye from Oregon and marked it up way more than it should be. It is an OK product, but nobody should be paying more than $50 for a bottle of this stuff. Very disappointing.
I just purchased this Black Maple Rye Whiskey and think it is very delicious. The only disheartening fact for this whiskey and others are the negative reviews of being over priced. So $99 dollars is too much which I suspected due to another whiskey I purchased for $250 dollars. Kentucky Owl Aged 11 years Batch #1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. I found the same product Batch#2 selling at a nearby liquor store for 179.99.