Upcoming Ryes and Malts For Autumn

Big American Malt and Rye Whiskey Releases To Expect This Fall

By Richard Thomas

Autumn is the most anticipated time of year in American whiskey because it is when the new batch from the hottest name in bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle, comes out. Marching along behind the Pappy Fever are a host of other important whiskeys, but not all of them are bourbons like the Elijah Craig limited editions or George T. Stagg. Some of the most anticipated releases driving the rye whiskey craze are released at this time of year, and this year sees some noteworthy expressions in the burgeoning category of American malts.

Parker’s Heritage 2015:  Just as last year’s Parker’s Heritage was a must-have for fans of wheat whiskey, this year’s is a must-have for devotees of the American Malt category. The 2015 installment draws on an eight year old malt whiskey, 65% malt and 35% corn, bottled at 108 proof (54% abv). The release is expected in October.

Pikesville Straight Rye: The second Heaven Hill expression on this list is also the only regular release on it, as Pikesville Rye is no limited edition. Sneak previews and some examples of this low rye (51% rye mashbill), 110-proof (55% abv), six year old whiskey are already out there, despite the anticipated October full release date.

Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye: One of the two ryes in the much loved Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). As with another BTAC whiskey, the Eagle Rare 17 Year Old, the Sazerac 18 Year Old is drawn from rye whiskey that was distilled in 1985 and was transferred to stainless steel tanks many years ago, arresting the aging process. One can expect minor variations from year to year, but compared to the other BTAC rye the Sazerac is a model of predictability. The BTAC set is expected in October.

Thomas H. Handy Rye: The other BTAC rye is usually a six year old cask strength, and one that can vary markedly in proof level. In some ways the Handy Rye is an example of how where a whiskey is aged can effect its outcome, since the main difference between batches of of this whiskey tends to be the warehouse it was in, rather than mashbill or age period.

Willett 3.5 Year Old Rye: Following on the release of their two year old rye last year, Willett will turn out a new, somewhat older release from the same stock sometime this autumn. As with the original Willett rye (distilled by them rather than sourced), this whiskey is expected to be a cask strength.

Gift Shop Only: Woodford Reserve will release a Five Malt in 375 ml bottles sometime this autumn, and High West has a Rocky Mountain Rye blend of sourced rye whiskeys due out in the season as well. Both of these are available only in their distillery gift shops, and will not enter regular distribution.