Pikesville Rye is a brand that got its start in the 1890s in Maryland which was the epicenter of rye whiskey production until prohibition crashed the party and ended everyone’s fun. However this scrappy little brand did emerge after prohibition, but after a while it succumbed to the same death as many old brands. Though also like many old brands, it has recently been brought back to life under the auspices of the Heaven Hill distillery.
On a technical level Pikesville Rye just the bolder older brother of the Rittenhouse Rye. The regular Ritt is a 4 year Bottled In Bond (100 proof) rye whisky and has long been one of my favorite go-tos for sipping and cocktails, but the Pikesville rye is giving it some stiff competition. In fact the only area where the Pikesville rye looses to the Rittenhouse is in the price category where it comes in at about 1/2 the price which still makes it perfect for cocktail experimentation, but when you’re looking for perfect execution, or a robust sip, it pales in comparison to its burlier sibling.
Pikesville Rye Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Mashbill: 51% Rye, 37% Corn, 12% Barley
Cask: New charred oak
Age: 6 years
ABV: 55%
Price: $50
Pikesville Rye Review
EYE
Crimson caramel
NOSE
A dollop of rye spice accompanied by notes of caramel, vanilla, citrus peel, brown sugar, red licorice, wood, fruit and a light herbal quality. This… is… fantastic.
PALATE
Velvety layer of rye spice followed by notes of caramel, marzipan, pepper, wood, red licorice, herbal notes and citrus frosting. Light bits of earth, leather and fruit add nice accents to an already multi-dimensional whiskey.
FINISH
Long, spicy and accented by notes of wood, toffee and citrus spiked chocolate.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Perfectly balanced, rich full body and a heavy oily texture.
OVERALL
Pikesville Rye is an absurdly delicious rye whiskey and is among my new favorite whiskeys. Both the aroma and flavor are bold and multifaceted carrying spicy, earthy, sweet and rustic tones with them. Everything works in harmony and the only thing I want more of is oak and spice. Yes the rye notes are heavy and straight forward, but it’s a one noted spice, not a complex spice like you can get in ryes with a higher rye quantity in the mash… but that’s really just being nit picky.
In addition to being an absurdly tasty sipper, Pikesville rye is an insanely good cocktail whiskey. The bold rye spice and high proof ensure it doesn’t get drowned out, which makes for a sensational Manhattan, and at about $50 a bottle I don’t feel bad about using it. Bold, complex and versatile, no wonder everyone is raving about the Pikesville Rye and now I can say, without hesitation, that it’s a well deserved reputation.
SCORE: 94/100