ABV: 50%
Size: 70cl
Closure Type: Cork
Description
IN BRIEF
Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey is a robust at 50% ABV, bottled in bond for a single distillery and season, aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. The nose is spicy and forthright: cracked black pepper, clove and nutmeg with baked rye bread, caramelised orange peel and toffee. The palate is full bodied and textural with bright rye spice, bitter orange rind, molasses, cocoa dust and toasted oak. Alcohol energises rather than overwhelms. The long drying finish returns baking spices, tobacco and caramelised sugar. Serve neat or with a few drops of water; makes an authoritative Old Fashioned. Awards and scores include IWSC 93, multiple San Francisco Double Golds and Ultimate Spirits c 93. Drink now.
ABOUT THIS WHISKEY
Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey is a robust, classically styled rye presented at 50 per cent ABV under the bottled in bond statute, which guarantees spirit from a single distillery and season, aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. Historically sourced from a respected Midwestern distillery, it channels old school American rye character with modern consistency.
The nose is immediately spicy and forthright. Cracked black pepper, clove and nutmeg lead, quickly joined by baked rye bread, caramelised orange peel and a streak of toffee. Beneath this is a warm baking spice of cinnamon and ginger, with faint cedar and vanilla from oak maturation. There is a hint of dark fruit compote that softens the sharper spice and adds a touch of sweetness.
On the palate the spirit is full bodied and textural. A bright wave of rye spice hits first, then cocoa dust and bitter orange rind settle in alongside molasses and warm caramel. Mid palate notes of toasted oak and leather add savoury depth while a whisper of cocoa nib and cracked black pepper linger. The alcohol is present but well judged, giving energy rather than overwhelming flavour. The finish is long, drying and pleasantly warming, with returning baking spices, a trace of tobacco and a final echo of caramelised sugar.
Serve neat at room temperature or with a few drops of water to open the mid palate. Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond also makes an authoritative Old Fashioned or Sazerac and stands up well in stirred classics. Food pairings: smoked brisket with a molasses glaze, chargrilled ribeye, blue cheese and walnut tart, dark chocolate desserts or spiced pecan pie. For bar use combine with a sugar cube, Angostura and orange twist for an Old Fashioned that is both bold and balanced.
Overall this is a dependable, whiskey bar staple: spicy, generous and structured, offering great value and versatility. Suggested drinking window immediate.
2025 — San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Double Gold
2024 — San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Double Gold
2023 — San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Double Gold
2023 — International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) — 93 points / medal-level recognition
2023 — Ultimate Spirits Challenge — ~93 points and “Great Value” recognition
2023 — Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible — ~89.5 points (reported)
2022 — San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Medal (listed among Heaven Hill winners)
2021 — San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Double Gold
2021 — SIP Awards — Double Gold and Consumers’ Choice
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ABOUT RITTENHOUSE
Rittenhouse Rye is an iconic American rye whiskey celebrated for its bold flavour profile, historical pedigree and enduring role in classic cocktails. Best known in its Bottled in Bond expression, Rittenhouse is typically bottled at 50 percent ABV and meets the Bottled in Bond Act requirements: produced at a single distillery in a single distillation season, aged a minimum of four years in a federally bonded warehouse and bottled at 100 proof. This status offers consumers assurance of provenance and consistent quality.
Produced for the brand by Heaven Hill in Kentucky, Rittenhouse is built on a mash bill that features a high proportion of rye grain, producing a pronounced spicy character tempered by the sweetness of corn and the soft roundness of malted barley. The nose usually presents warm baking spices, orange peel, caramelised sugar and toasted grain. On the palate the whiskey delivers robust rye spice, black pepper and clove alongside dark fruit notes such as cherry and raisin, supported by toffee, vanilla and a sturdy oak backbone. The finish is long, warming and slightly tannic, leaving lingering spice and wood-driven complexity.
Rittenhouse’s combination of power and balance has made it a favourite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. Its assertive spice and structure perform particularly well in stirred classics such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Sazerac, where the whiskey’s backbone complements bitters, vermouth and citrus oils without being overwhelmed. It is equally enjoyable neat or on a large ice cube for those who prefer to savour its layered flavours.
Packaging reflects the brand’s traditional American heritage and professional appeal. Widely available and well priced relative to its quality, Rittenhouse offers excellent value as both a mixing whiskey and a sipping dram. Overall it stands as a reliable, characterful rye that honours American whiskey tradition while remaining versatile and approachable for modern drinkers.
