Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey Review

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: B

Rye whiskey continues to be all the rage, and it seems like I see something new on the shelf every week. In the spring 2018, the distiller of so much of that rye whiskey on the shelf, MGP, launched its Rossville Union Rye Whiskey label. Named after the founding 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.” 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 Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 112.6 (56.3% ABV) from a blend of 5 to 6-year-old MGP 51% and 95% rye mash bill whiskies, drawing on what were reputed to be 83 “honey barrels.”

The Whiskey
The whiskey is a dark amber liquid, with noticeable legs running down my glass. The nose is bold and spicy, offering a distinct hint of fresh cut oak, baking spice and a traditional rye zing.

The mouthfeel is hot, and the flavor is buttery sweet candied fruit on my palate with a typical rye oak spice on the back of my palate. The finish is of medium length with hints of burnt powdered sugar cinnamon spice and spearmint that leads to a dry spiciness and noticeable tannin overtones.

While the Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey at a lower proof is okay, the Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey is much better and more fun to drink. Notwithstanding, it reminds me of other decent sourced rye whiskeys on the shelf for a much lower price point.  Rossville Union Master Crafted Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey is good neat and will hold up really well your favorite cocktails.

The Price
At a suggested retail price of $69.00 for a 750 ML bottle at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago, it’s going to be tough to compete with other options at that price point.