Within the early years of the US, many American farmers regarded the distillation of rye whiskey at residence as a primary proper. When the federal authorities imposed an excise tax on whiskey in 1791, these farmers strongly opposed the measure, with some even threatening to secede from the Union. This battle, often known as the Whiskey Rise up, was in the end unsuccessful, nevertheless it underscored the importance of rye whiskey within the nation’s childhood.
Rye whiskey remained extensively produced and consumed nicely into the early twentieth century. The enactment of the 18th Modification in 1920 and the beginning of Prohibition, nevertheless, dealt a serious blow to Pennsylvania’s rye whiskey trade. Throughout this time, bootleggers produced a blended imitation below the title rye whiskey, usually of poor high quality and missing the traits of the standard spirit. Following the repeal of Prohibition, Pennsylvania’s rye whiskey producers confronted lasting challenges and by no means totally returned to their pre-Prohibition standing.
Pennsylvania rye has lengthy been related to the Monongahela River Valley and is typically often known as Monongahela rye. Traditionally, its manufacturing exhibited notable variations from Maryland rye and Kentucky bourbon. Distillers primarily used Pennsylvania-grown rye, together with heirloom varieties akin to Rosen, Danko, and Abruzzi, which are actually uncommon. Mashbills ceaselessly included little or no corn and sometimes featured malted rye alongside malted barley. A candy mash course of was usually used, not like the bitter mash technique frequent in Kentucky. Barrel getting old usually passed off in brick or stone warehouses that have been heated throughout the winter months. These traits assorted amongst producers—some included these parts, whereas others didn’t.
Within the current day, Mountain Laurel Spirits in Bristol, Pennsylvania, is producing whiskey within the model of historic Pennsylvania rye below the Dad’s Hat model. Drinkhacker was supplied with a bottle of Mountain Laurel’s 2024 version of Dad’s Hat Bottled in Bond Monongahela Mash Pennsylvania Straight Rye. This launch, aged for at least six years, represents the distillery’s ongoing effort to take care of profile consistency with its core vary whereas providing a definite character in its bottled in bond expressions.
The Monongahela mashbill consists of 80% unmalted rye, 15% 2-row malted barley, and 5% malted rye. For this batch, nearly all of the rye grain used was the Danko selection, sourced from Meadowbrook Farms in Reigelsville, Pennsylvania. Fermentation employed a candy mash course of, lasting 5 to 6 days in open-top, temperature-controlled, jacketed chrome steel tanks.
Distillation was carried out on a hybrid nonetheless with a facet column manufactured by Carl. The rye distillate was collected at 135 proof and entered the barrel at 120 proof. For maturation, Mountain Laurel Spirits used 53-gallon barrels with a #3 char, provided by McGinnis Wooden Merchandise in Cuba, Missouri. The whiskey was aged for at the very least six years on racks in a climate-controlled masonry warehouse.
Mountain Laurel Spirits has adopted lots of the conventional practices related to traditionally correct Pennsylvania rye whiskey. With a glass of Dad’s Hat in hand, it’s time to discover what this expression has to supply.
Dad’s Hat Bottled in Bond Rye (2024) Assessment
The nostril kicks off the Pennsylvania celebration with the aroma of toasted rye bread and marshmallows that spent somewhat too lengthy over the campfire. Vivid lemon oil and recent dill carry vitality to the combo, whereas dried apricots arrive later, including depth and a measured sweetness. It’s a compelling fragrant profile that retains you coming again for an additional sniff.
On the palate, rye bread leads as soon as once more, now joined by a wealthy thread of dulce de leche. The midpalate brings in a contact of clove and lemongrass, providing complexity with out overwhelming the senses. The feel is extremely wealthy—probably the most memorable mouthfeels I’ve skilled in fairly a while. Because the end arrives, black pepper and dill step ahead with confidence. The lingering oiliness carries toffee and grapefruit zest, leaving an enduring and well-structured impression.
Dad’s Hat has developed right into a standout rye as age has added character and depth. The 2024 bottled in bond launch delivers spectacular taste and aroma, nevertheless it’s the distinctive mouthfeel that steals the present. At $60, it’s a robust worth—and if tasted blind, many whiskey lovers would possible count on a better price ticket. A wise buy for followers of significant rye.
100 proof.
A- / $60 / dadshatrye.com [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Dad’s Hat Bottled in Bond Rye (2024)
USD60
Visited 35 instances, 35 go to(s) right this moment
