Old Overholt Returns To Its Roots With New Expression

Overholt, founded in Pennsylvania and the longest continuously maintained brand in American whisky (it’s been around since 1810), has announced the release of A. Overholt. The whiskey is named for the brand founder, Abraham Overholt, and uses the same mash bill as the original Overholt whiskey: 80% rye grain and 20% soft malted barley.

Owners Beam-Suntory have been giving the Overholt brand more attention in recent years, and A. Overholt marks a return to the brand’s roots. To date, Overholt rye whiskey expressions have been derived from Jim Beam’s rye stock, which is a Kentucky-style rye, meaning it has a rye content of less than 55% and uses a substantial helping of corn in the mash bill. The same stock is used to make Jim Beam, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden rye expressions. A. Overholt, by contrast, has a very high rye percentage and no corn at all.

“With over 200 years of exceptional craftmanship, Overholt is engrained in American history with its industrial roots and as a spirit that has set the industry standard since inception,” said Freddie Noe. “The newest launch of A. Overholt is the result of highly crafted whiskey, informed and inspired by generational expertise, and I’m honored to steward this brand forward while paying homage to its past and our shared commitment to American whiskey innovation.”