Tincup Rye Whiskey Review

By Andrew Graham

Grade: B

Tincup is a Colorado-based whiskey brand that brought its newest expression, a rye whiskey, to market in January. In my view, the most intriguing element of Tincup’s expressions — aside from the rye; it sells two high-rye whiskeys — is its use of Rocky Mountain water to cut the whiskey, which is aged for three years and sourced from Indiana.

I don’t have a ton to say about this expression other than it’s an incredibly solid, straightforward, and durable rye that, at around $30 per 750ml bottle, makes a ton of sense to have around as a fantastic base for a manhattan or a boulevardier. While I found it easy, and quite flavorful, to drink neat, I kept picking up the bottle when I wanted a rye that would maintain some of its requisite spiciness in cocktails that have competing flavor components.

The Tincup Rye has a mash bill of 95 percent rye and five percent malted barley (which usually, but doesn’t necessarily, mean its sourced from Indiana). It didn’t last long in my household, which is perhaps the best compliment I could give to a whiskey.

I tend to use a 50/50 blend of Old Overholt and Rittenhouse at home for rye-based cocktails, and the Tincup rye has me reconsidering that. And I’m keen to try Tincup’s other expressions because, as an affordable and versatile spirit, the rye is just excellent.

The Whiskey
A golden amber color in the glass, I found notes of pipe tobacco and honey on the nose, with a bit of citrus and white pepper. The whiskey offers an exceptional and traditional rye flavor of baking spice and more pepper, with hints of mint and maple syrup. At 45 percent ABV, it has the right amount of punch for cocktails but no burn when consumed neat.

I experienced a pleasant and warming finish which was on the shorter side, with more mint and traces of lemon.

There are no real surprises in the flavor profile. It’s just a straightforward, solid rye that is exactly what one expects it to be.

The Price
Tincup Rye sells for $32 online.