Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye is made by Luxco at their Ross & Squibb distillery. Which you might also know as MGP, LDI or even the Jos. E. Seagram Distillery. I have no idea how many total names its had since its founding in 1847, but what I do know is that in my drinking life it’s been known for one thing in particular: rye whiskey.
And not just known for it, but also has made some of my favorite ryes of all time. And now Luxco is trying to bring that focus back to the distillery and its new name. The Rossville Union brand currently focuses on the awesome rye that MGP, excuse me, R&S has been known for and still makes. This is a line I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on.
Now, let’s get to drinkin’!
Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Style: Rye (Straight)
Region: IN, USA
Distiller: Ross & Squibb (MGP)
Mash Bill: BLend of 51% & 9%
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 7 Years
ABV: 58.6%
Batch: 01
Barrels Used: 82
Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye Price: $55*
Related Whiskey
Smooth Ambler Cask Strength Rye
Pikesville Rye
Frey Ranch Rye Bottled-In-Bond
Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
Sagamore Spirit Rye Cask Strength
Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye Tasting Notes
EYE
Ruddy amber
NOSE
Dilly rye spice, baking spice, oak, cocoa, caramel, dried dark fruit, a touch of vanilla and citrus.
Deep and heavy, it’s an aroma that drifts elegantly through the senses.
PALATE
Dilly rye spice, cocoa, oak, leather, pepper, caramel, dried dark fruit, baking spice, vanilla taffy and some honey.
BAM, this hits like a rye spice truck fueled by oak.
FINISH
Long -> Dilly rye spice, oak, cocoa and fruit.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Well balanced, full-bodied, oily and slightly drying as it fades.
Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye – Overall Thoughts and Score
This is a powerhouse of a rye, but then, did you expect anything else from MGP? Excuse me, Ross & Squibb? This new name is going to take some time getting used to. I only stopped calling it LDI 6 or 7 years ago.
This blending of their “barely rye” mash and their famous 95/5 mash brings a lot of the oak and depth whiskey lovers look for, but also keeps that dilly-herbal-spice that rye fanatics crave. Both in flavor and execution, it reminds me of those early bottles of High West Rendezvous Rye which were a blend of 95/5 and the lower rye Barton. And I can’t help but wonder if this isn’t a bit of a nod to HW who helped kick rye back up into prominence.
While I would like a bit more of that dilly note in this, I’m quite happy with the Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye. It’s flavorful, aromatic, and makes one hell of a Sazerac. This will definitely be entering my regular rotation.
SCORE: 4.5/5 (very good, highly recommended ~ A- | 90-93)
*Disclosure: The bottle for this Rye Whiskey review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Rossville Union Barrel Proof Rye Review $55
Overall
4.5- Nose (4.5)
- Palate (4.5)
- Finish (4.5)
- BBF (4.5)
User Review
0 (0 votes) Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)
