Rye Whiskey: Across America
Serious guys make serious whiskey
As we continue our exploration of rye whiskey at the Distillery at Kiepersol, last week's blog investigated the history of this storied spirit in America. If you haven't had the chance to read that post yet, I highly recommend starting there. Today, our focus shifts toward the diverse styles of rye whiskey found across America. So, grab a small sample of your favorite rye and join me as we uncover the distinct characteristics of each style.
I've poured myself a sampling of Very Olde St. Nick Ancient Cask 8-Year-Old Rye during the research and writing process for this blog. Across America we encounter several styles of rye whiskey: Pennsylvania-style/Monongahela-style, Maryland-style, and Kentucky Rye.
Let's dive in and explore the unique qualities and regional nuances that define each of these rye whiskey styles.
Pennsylvania-Style/Monongahela-Style
Rye whiskey traces its roots back to Pennsylvania, where early settlers from Scotland and Ireland adapted their traditional distillation methods. In the process of crafting a single-malt whiskey, they produced what we recognize today as rye whisky. This style of rye typically features a mash bill consisting of rye and malted barley or a 100% rye composition. Pennsylvania-style rye whiskey is renowned for its bold and spicy character, boasting robust flavors that contribute to its substantial, weighty profile. Much of the whiskey's sweetness develops over time as it ages in barrels.
Maryland-Style
A stone's throw away from Pennsylvania and we are introducing Maryland-style rye whiskey. As American farmers began cultivating more corn, a portion inevitably found its way into whiskey production. This distinction is key between Pennsylvania and Maryland styles of rye whiskey. Maryland-style rye typically incorporates a mash bill comprising approximately 60 to 70 percent rye, 20 to 30 percent corn, and 10 to 20 percent malted barley. The inclusion of corn introduces additional sweetness, which serves to smooth out and balance the spiciness inherent in rye. Interestingly, one of the prominent figures associated with Maryland-style rye whiskey is none other than George Washington, who distilled rye whiskey at his Mount Vernon Distillery. His rye boasted a mash bill of 60 percent rye, 35 percent corn, and 5 percent malted barley.
Kentucky-Style
Kentucky-style rye whiskey can be seen as a contrast to Pennsylvania-style rye in many respects. Instead of relying on an exceptionally high rye content in the mash bill, Kentucky-style ryes are known for their sweeter profiles, which stem from a mash bill comprising just 51 to 55 percent rye. The remaining portion of the mash bill incorporates a blend of malted barley and corn. In terms of flavor profiles, Kentucky-style rye whiskey shares similarities with high-rye bourbons.
Jimmy’s Rye Whiskey
Let's investigate the character of the Distillery at Kiepersol rye whiskey, known as Jimmy's Rye. After maturing for four years in new American oak barrels, Jimmy's Rye embodies a rich and complex flavor profile. You'll encounter bold notes of spicy rye complemented by hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak from the barrel aging process. The mash bill, akin to a traditional Kentucky-style rye whiskey, contributes to its smooth and well-balanced taste.
Next week, let's dive into the chemistry behind incorporating water and ice balls into your whiskey glass as we conclude our exploration of rye this week.
Cheers,
Dylan
