Rittenhouse "B&B Single Barrel" Rye Whiskey

We get lots of single barrels coming through the store, and we have been plenty thrilled with most of them. But there is something extra special about getting a single barrel of one of our workhorse value whiskies that we all drink day in and day out. Rittenhouse is one of the modern classic rye whiskies, making its reputation as a bartender's favorite for cocktails, with many hailing it as THE Manhattan rye. We tend to agree with that assessment, and love the balance of spice and fruit it brings to the table. 

The Rittenhouse single barrel program is brand new for Heaven Hill Distillery, and we were glad to be included in the inaugural round of barrels. The barrel we ended up with is certainly a recognizable Rittenhouse Rye, but we'd brand it a Rittenhouse+, like a new streaming service (but one you'd actually want). The nose is much bigger than the standard bottling, with peach pie, bright rye grain, corn bread (it is after all a high corn rye), herbs, and cinnamon. The palate brings out more of the spice, with a lovely balance of baking spice, cayenne, herbal rye and white pepper. There is also citrus oils, stone fruits, cocoa powder, and a wonderful mustiness, like grandma's antique filled front room that nobody ever spends time in. We can't wait to up our Manhattan games with this one. Bottled at 50% abv.