BOTM 7/10: Rittenhouse Rye BIB

[fishnbowljoe]

And now for something completely different............:bigeyes:

I realize it's not a bourbon, but Ritt BIB has been brought up in several threads, and even in the gazebo from time to time. (Plus, it was suggested to me by a couple of members.) From what I can tell, there's not much middle ground when it comes to peoples preferences on this rye. It appears that most folks either love it, or hate it.

Anyway, let's here what you all have to say. As for myself, I may have to revisit this one. I bought a bottle of Ritt BIB a long time ago. The taste wasn't to my liking at the time, but my palate has changed a lot since then. I just might have to go over and raid Vosgar's bunker. :grin:

Cheers, and happy posting! Joe

[OscarV]

From what I can tell, there's not much middle ground when it comes to peoples preferences on this rye. It appears that most folks either love it, or hate it.

[CorvallisCracker]

I like it, but I always felt the rye didn't have a real strong presence (to me, OGD actually has a stronger rye flavor).

For the longest time it was priced at $14 here, and I'd buy it occasionally. However earlier this year the OLCC raised the price to within 50 cents of WT, so now I don't (I prefer the WT).

[ErichPryde]

This one I visit from time to time and enjoy. Part of the issue is that It is actually of much BETTER quality than it was 3 or 4 years ago, and probably got quite a bit of bad press from that time frame (I'd guess). I definitely prefer it over Sazerac NAS- I feel like the Ritt is just a significantly more bold animal.

Rittenhouse is an interesting one: It's a "Pennsylvania" style rye that is distilled by Brown-Forman (Old Forester/Woodford) but sold by Heaven Hill. More interestingly, the label reads "bottled by continental distilling co, bardstown, KY." Continental was at one point actually a distillery that was located in Pennsylvania, but no longer functions.

The nose is definitely the strong point of this whiskey, very bourbon-esque (as Scott mentioned) in some ways, with a nice candied-nuts thing going on. The bottle I have actually reminds me somewhat of pecan pie! The palate entry is good, Somewhat dry with enough weight for you to tell it hasn't been excessively watered down. It's not as sweet as bourbon but it definitely has a nice taste. The finish is acceptable, perhaps a bit shorter than I'd like but considering what you pay for it, I can't complain!

It's good rye. In my opinion, definitely on even ground with both "baby saz" and Turkey Rye, and miles ahead of Jim Beam rye and Overholt.

I don't know how widely distributed it is, I can't seem to find it in Tucson and I don't think I could get it in OK, but it was available in KS. If you can find it near you, it will probably run you between 14 and 22 dollars, and if you want something new and perhaps a bit different to try, I'd strongly recommend it.

Other than being a decent inexpensive "neat" drinker, it makes a good old-fashioned, would probably make a good sazerac cocktail, and of course goes well with cola or ginger. "D

[Vosgar]

[quote=fishnbowljoe:I just might have to go over and raid Vosgar's bunker. :grin:

Sorry Joe, you can raid all you want but you won't find any. Finished it off a while back and haven't replaced it............yet. This is one I really like so it will find a home here again.

Gary

[Josh]

I think it's a damn good rye, and I would even if it was $10-$15 more. I like it better than Saz. The Saz family seems too sweeet sometimes. Ritt seems to have more rye character. I have no idea of the mashbill or anything like that, just my tastebuds.

Good choice for a BOTM!

[DeanSheen]

Big fan. It's my second favorite after Baby Saz.

I like it for the value and if it was $10 - $15 more I would not be as enthused about it. The price has gone up alot recently and at $30 - $35 I would pass.

[dgonano]

Well it arrived in Maryland at $25 and my retailer passed. Instead they are selling the Bernheim Wheat at the recently lowered price of $30....think about the pricing of both 4 years ago!

Anyway, the Ritt BIB makes a very good Manhattan. For a Sazerac go with their 3 year old Pikesville...a spicy young rye.

[nor02lei]

This one I visit from time to time and enjoy. Part of the issue is that It is actually of much BETTER quality than it was 3 or 4 years ago

It's good rye. In my opinion, definitely on even ground with both "baby saz" and Turkey Rye, and miles ahead of Jim Beam rye and Overholt.

[ethangsmith]

My favorite rye. A good value too.

[HipFlask]

I just saw in a whisky mag in Barnes & Noble that it had just won an award. It was pictured next to GTS. I think it listed WLW and a few others. So somebody must like the stuff. And that would namely be me> I almost always have a bottle of this in the house.

Here is Micheal Jasksons thoughts from Whisky Magazine #21.

Nose

Rich dried fruits. Chocolate. Sweet peppers.

Palate

Clean, rich. Cocoa. Candied orange peels. Cinnamon. Nutmeg. Very spicy. Soothing.

Finish

Lingering dry spiciness.

Comment

A hundred American proof makes for a powerful whisky, but this is big and bold in flavour, too. I don't remember it being such a sensuous whiskey. A reborn giant? I'll look for it on Rittenhouse Square next time I'm in Philadelphia.

I certainly agree.

[ErichPryde]

I do agree Erik, that it is much better now then a few years ago. In my personal opinion it is better now, than Saz junior and WT rye.

Leif

[mrviognier]

Count me in the 'don't love it, don't hate it' camps. It's a very nice, serviceable Rye, and certainly a great bargain. That said, it isn't my go-to Rye.

What I really found to be a disappointment was the Rittenhouse 23 Year-Old. Really not enough there to tone down the harsh wood tannins...just plain astringent and nearly undrinkable. It pales in comparison (IMHO) to the likes of Van Winkle Family Reserve, Black Maple Hill 14.

[jburlowski]

I'm not much of a rye drinker but I do love this for the value it represents...

[spy247]

I really like this rye. Spicy and robust, I always drink it neat. Although it is quite pricey down here in OZ ($66). Thats double the price of the Jim Beam Rye here. However its worth every dollar.

[T Comp]

I don't love it or hate it.

But I'm not a fan enough of it to buy it. If your'e pouring then sure I'll drink it.

I think it is like JTS Brown bourbon, most folks let the low price influence them to much.

I've got about a quarter bottle left from two I bought for $11.99, just a little more than a year ago, at the now shuttered Sam's Wines & Spirits. I don't plan to replace them. It's mainly been used in Manhattan's, where the vermouth and bitters either compliments or masks the pine and eucalyptus stuff going on.

[Stu]

I like it. I think it's a great value for the money. WT is as good or maybe just a hair better, but it's more expensive down here. I have some, and I'll probably buy more.

[SMOWK]

There is ALWAYS one or more on my shelf. Under $20 where I'm at, and always available.

[jsbac]

I haven't had any of the ryes thus far. Think I'll stop at my favorite Hot Springs liquor store this evening after work and see if they have Rittenhouse Rye.

jsbac

[Halifax]

Couldn't get my hands on any the 100 proof. But I did manage to acquire two bottles of the 80 proof. Will have to try it out later in the day. Looking forward to it.

[callmeox]

Couldn't get my hands on any the 100 proof. But I did manage to acquire two bottles of the 80 proof. Will have to try it out later in the day. Looking forward to it.

To me, the proof difference makes them totally different pours. Don't let any dislike for the 80 prevent you from grabbing the BiB if you ever encounter it.

[ErichPryde]

To me, the proof difference makes them totally different pours. Don't let any dislike for the 80 prevent you from grabbing the BiB if you ever encounter it.

Agreed. Even 3%/6 proof can make a WORLD of difference in taste between the same whiskey.... 10% Even more so. Scott's advice is spot-on, I would have said it myself but he beat me to it.

[dgonano]

CMIIW but I was told HH no longer makes the 80proof Ritt.

[nor02lei]

CMIIW but I was told HH no longer makes the 80proof Ritt.

That won’t bother me a bit!

Leif

[mrviognier]

Nope...you're right. At least for now. HH had been out of stock on Rittenhouse for a lot of 2009, and released limited amounts in February...all of it 100 proof.

Gotta give them credit...they could have made more product/$$ by offering nothing but 80 proof.