One of the older Rittenhouses which I bought last year in San Francisco, and decided to properly taste on the 4th of July. Independence day calls for American booze, right?

I already popped the cork once before when Anneke and I told her parents that we were expecting a baby, almost 4 months ago and that was a memorable night. Mostly because of the news, but the whiskey helped at least a little bit!

Rittenhouse is produced by the Heaven Hill Distilleries company, which also makes a massive amount of other spirits.

Nose:
I have the feeling I can smell the barley, rye and corn separately at first. I also find icing sugar, brown sugar, oak and sandal wood. It has a bit of an oriental feel to it. Then I get strawberries, honey and a tad of vinegar. The corn takes a bit of dominance with rye bread. Later some flowers and grass pop up. Rose water I think.

Taste:
Slightly burning like engine oil. Dry and grassy with strawberries, plums and apricot. White grapes, rye and corn bread again. The engine oil bit sounds weird but is actually a very interesting note and makes for a very diverse palate. The taste gets gentle quickly.

Finish:
A slight revival with thick corn and spicy rye. The spices come up now, more than before. They were there however. Slightly dry, very long with straw, and treacle.

A damn fine dram. It has absolutely everything I seek in a rye whisky. Fruit, spices, grains, and lots of interesting other notes. It’s stronger than many other Americans, but still very accessible which makes every sip give you some new flavours.

Rittenhouse 23, 50%, I bought it for $180 or so in some random liquor store last year. It’s also available at De Whiskykoning for € 199.