Rossville Union Master Crafted Rye Whiskey Review

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: C

Rossville Union Rye
(Credit: Randall Borkus)

On May 9, 2018, MGP Ingredients announced the launch of Rossville Union Rye Whiskey label. Named after the original distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Rossville Union represents a historic return to the home of crafted rye whiskey and is meant to honor a spirited tradition dating back more than 170 years in America’s original “Whiskey City.” Known in some circles as the “Masters of Rye,” the distillery team in Lawrenceburg brings generations of craftsmanship and passion to the production of quality rye whiskey.

Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye is available in two expressions: Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey and Rossville Union Master Crafted Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey. This juice is blended from the extensive barrel reserves at MGP Ingredients, a distinction which is cited on the label with the number of “barrels used,” notably hand written “159” for Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey. This Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 94 proof (ABV 47%) and aged at least four years.

The Whiskey
The whiskey is a light yellowish amber with medium legs. The soft nose offers a hint of young sweet oak and traditional rye spice. The mouth feel is warm and the flavor is mildly sweet fruit on my front palate and sweet to moderate oak spice on the back of my palate. The finish soft oak spice and a touch of cinnamon that disappears rather quickly.

At 94 proof, Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey is easy drinking neat, on the rocks or an adequate addition to your favorite cocktails. The bottom line for me is this young rye whiskey is just too mild for my taste and not as complex as I prefer in my ryes. I look forward to sampling the Rossville Union Master Crafted Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey when that comes out

The Price
This looks like a plentiful item where I live, in Illinois, at $36.00 for a 750 ML bottle.