By Richard Thomas Rating: B- The stablemate to 291’s bourbon, their rye is made from 61% malted rye and 39% corn mash before being aged for less than two years in 10-gallon barrels. This whiskey also uses the distillery’s “El Paso County Process,” which is to add stillage from an IPA to the mash, and finished using staves of toasted ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B At the end of 2016, Pennsylvania distiller Dad’s Hat contributed to a wave of craft distilleries releasing bottled in bond expressions, declaring the growing maturity of America’s craft whiskey scene. This year, they’ve gone two steps better. Not only did Dad’s Hat follow up with a second batch of its bottled in bond, but it ...

Knob Creek has launched Knob Creek Twice Barreled Rye, taking its existing rye whiskey and making it into a double barreled whiskey, finished in a second round of new oak. “Rye whiskey is more popular than ever, and I’m proud Knob Creek plays a role in that,” said Fred Noe, Beam Family 7th Generation Master Distiller. “I’ve enjoyed experimenting with ...

By Richard Thomas Thursday, November 1st saw the passing of Dave Pickerell, a pivotal figure in modern American Whiskey and it’s craft sector in particular. Pickerell went from a leading role at one of Kentucky’s big distilleries to become one of American Whiskey’s most influential consultants, helping numerous companies to establish sourced brands and build distilleries. Pickerell took his first ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: C+ Like their Oregon Single Malt, the Oregon Rye Malt from Rogue Ales (famous for Rogue Dead Guy Ale) is not actually “beer made from whiskey.” Instead, it’s whiskey based on certain specialized grains particular to Rogue’s beer-making operation: their Dream Rye and their Dare & Risk Malted Barley. The rye is also malted, and the ...