Ragtime Rye is the latest release from the New York Distilling Company, and it’s their fifth total release following three gins and a rock & rye. Recently we spoke with Allen Katz, co-founder of the NYDC and developer of Ragtime Rye. He gave us some insights into the new rye, but now it’s time to taste it for ourselves.
Ragtime Rye is comprised of 72% rye, 16% corn and 12% malted barley, with the majority of grains sourced from New York. The whiskey is aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of three years, so it’s not particularly old, but it sure packs a lot of flavor. On the nose, Ragtime is full of those rye grains, with more corn and malt than expected. It’s soft and not particularly oaky. On the palate there’s more spice–this time baking spices and pepper–plus hints of red fruit, caramel and tobacco. The oak begins to show itself more prominently on the finish, as things come to a dry, smooth close.
Ragtime Rye is solid stuff. You can really taste the grains, which is a good thing when you’re using good grains. And though it’s relatively young compared to many ryes on the market, it doesn’t drink too young. Flavors are robust and well-developed, and there’s just enough oak to round things out–resulting in a very balanced, very drinkable whiskey.
Stats:
— 45.2% ABV
— $44 | BUY
CE Rating: ★★★★
