shaggy Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 I walked into the store tonight and saw several bottles of the Vintage 21 and 23 Rye. I couldn't resist. I popped the 21 open and it is really tasty stuff. I think it may be the same thing as the Rittenhouse 21 for quite a bit less $. I have not tried the 23 yet. I will probably open it up tomorrow and let you guys know how it goes.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggy Posted November 19, 2006 Author Share Posted November 19, 2006 I opened the Vintage Rye 23 today. It does have a considerable bit more wood than the 21, but doesn't seen quite as hot. The finish on the 23 is not quite as balanced. I think the age takes away some of the traditional rye spice. Both of these are excellent pours, but I think I like the 23 just a tad better. I still think the 21 is the same exact thing as the Rittenhouse and is a bargain at $65. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNbourbon Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 ...I think it may be the same thing as the Rittenhouse 21...While I don't care to betray any confidences -- explicit or implicit -- I will note that, unless someone in a position to know has misled me, it is not.Keep in mind that until very recently Heaven Hill distilled rye only about 1 day a year. The Rittenhouse is openly theirs, but I don't think they made enough to sell it very widely to others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamber Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 But if it's not HH, who made it ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BourbonJoe Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Well, we'll have to think this through. Keep in mind that KBD has a stock of old rye. Recall the 22 y/o Willett's Rye bottled for Doug Philips and company and also LeNell's Red Hook Rye (distiller unknown at this point), although, it too could be Willett's.Joe :usflag: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamber Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I think the best possible solution is that everyone sends me their bottles. I'll drink them and give my opinion on their origin (please bear in mind I don't have a clue about this kind of thing, but I promise to enjoy them all). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Parrott Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 Well, we'll have to think this through. Keep in mind that KBD has a stock of old rye. Recall the 22 y/o Willett's Rye bottled for Doug Philips and company and also LeNell's Red Hook Rye (distiller unknown at this point), although, it too could be Willett's.Joe :usflag:Neither of those were distilled by a "Willett" entity, IIRC, just bottled by KBD who own the Willett brand and DSP#. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff Posted November 30, 2006 Share Posted November 30, 2006 I believe I heard it was Ancient Age stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNbourbon Posted November 30, 2006 Share Posted November 30, 2006 I believe I heard it was Ancient Age stock.I understand that would be possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brennan77 Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 I was fortunate enough to sample both the 21 and 23 yesterday. The 23 was the better pour in my opinion. Like shaggy says, the 21 definitely has more heat. The 23 seemed to be richer with more body. The mouthfeel was quite nice. It really opened up with sweet caramel on the nose with a touch of water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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