High Plains Rye (750Ml)

High Plains Rye comes from the J.W. Rutledge Distillery. Master distiller Jim Rutledge built it as the company's first rye. He did not distill it from one recipe. Instead, he chose and blended five straight rye whiskeys.

Those whiskeys come from Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and New York. Each has its own mash bill and its own yeast strain. The rye content runs from 51% all the way to 100%. The finished blend is four years old and bottled at 97 proof.

The nose is mellow for a rye. You will find allspice, nutmeg and white pepper, then cinnamon, brown sugar and butterscotch. Add a chip of ice and persimmon and light caramel step forward.

On the palate, persimmon sits in the middle. A gentle flick of cayenne and soft vanilla bean join in. The rye spice stays clear and confident the whole way. The finish is fairly short, as with many younger whiskeys, but it stays gentle and pleasantly dry.

Pour it after dinner and take your time. It is great in a rye Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. On the table, it pairs with grilled or smoked meats, rich stews, smoked cheese and caramel or apple desserts. If you already enjoy rye, this one should feel like home.