Baltimore Epoch Rye Whiskey Review

By Father John Rayls

Rating: A-

Baltimore Epoch Rye
(Credit: John Rayls)

Baltimore and the state of Maryland have an enviable historical record in whiskey production, with rye in the Maryland style as the  mainstay for the residents of Charm City up until World War II, even surviving Prohibition. Unfortunately, whiskey production in Baltimore and the State of Maryland never recovered from the shocks of Prohibition, Depression and wartime rationing.

Baltimore Epoch Straight Rye Whiskey is an admirable effort in returning this historic town to whiskey prominence. As a 70% rye, 30% malted rye mash bill whiskey, it’s in a style similar to the Eastern Pennsylvania approach revived by folks like Dad’s Hat. I was slightly put off by the somewhat grandiose name and originally thought it to be an attempt at a great storyline covering for an underwhelming rye whiskey. Was I wrong….  It is a great story, but the rye comes up big with lots of flavor and character.  It’s bottled at 100 proof and yet retains an easy sipping manner throughout.

The Whiskey
In the glass with lots of light, the rye has a copper to medium brown coloring, with gold and polished brass highlights. The legs are ready and waiting and appear prolific wanting to drain quickly, continuing in multiple waves with a 2nd round producing thin. but reluctant, legs.

The nose was moderately aggressive filled with spice, oak and caramel. There was a very slight burn if inhaled deeply, but a constant tingling presence.  A nice surprise was the noticeable presence of malt.

This is a very smooth rye with lots of flavor. I noticed vanilla, honey, oak, a cinnamon spicy note that really captured my imagination. It’s a fairly young whiskey at approximately two years old, but the fresh cut lumber flavors (often present in young whiskey) are almost non-existent. Most of the palate experience is mid-mouth. The finish is a medium to long experience, gradually warming to the point of just short of hot, more like the old cinnamon Red Hots loaded with flavor while delivering some moderate heat. I loved that it involves the whole mouth.

I initially gave Baltimore Epoch Straight Rye Whiskey a B+. But, I just kept going back to this easy sipping, flavorful, 100 proof rye, skipping some favorites in the process, and moved it up a notch.

The Price
The suggested retail is under $40.00.