Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond...

Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond (50.0%): Every year before the holiday season starts I like to stash some reasonably priced spirits to be used mostly in hot toddies, eggnogs, Irish coffees, pre-mixed Manhattans, Negronis and whatnot... A habit I inherited during the long and cold winters of New England but still tend to keep today even though Southern California winters don't make us thirst for wintery cocktails anymore. Anyway, this year's choice of rye whiskey is Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond which is a brand from Heaven Hill's portfolio. It is distilled in Kentucky from a mashbill of 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley and aged minimum four years in charred new oak barrels albeit being bottled in bond.

Color: Rich polished copper, Mahogany color with pretty stubborn large teardrops eventually turning into slow moving oily legs.

Nose: Subtle and surprisingly way more on the fruity side than you would expect rather being spicy... Peaches, bananas and nutmeg. Salted caramel, vanilla extract and apple and pear compote. Cookie dough, hot chocolate and spearmint laves. It is not powerful or punchy but quite enjoyable.

Palate: Still very even-tempered but all the spicy notes the nose didn't offer are here: Cinnamon, red pepper flakes and nutmeg. Some Calvados-like fruitiness: Baked apple and pears, toasted wood and ground cloves. Canned peaches, rum and raisin ice cream and green herbs: Tarragon, marjoram and fennel fronds. Slightly thin texture for a 50% abv spirit but no complaints here. Actually makes it perfect for mixed drinks.

Finish: This is where the spices peak the most... Medium long with black pepper, paprika and allspice. Oak and raisins. 

Overall: This whiskey is definitely one of my favorite rye whiskeys at its price range with Old Forester Rye... It's always a good idea to have a bottle at home and always a good sign to spot one on a bar shelf when you walk into one. Seriously solid whiskey for the price you end up paying for...

Price: $24

87/100