J Rieger & Co Straight Rye BIB 100 proof

J Rieger & Co Straight Rye BIB 100 proof

This is the debut of what J. Rieger & Co. plans to continue as a series of bottled-in-bond rye releases. It consists of a 96% rye and 4% malted barley mash bill and was put to barrel in the fall of 2015 – with all aspects of production taking place at the J.

Rieger & Co. facility in the Electric Park district of Kansas City. The release is meant to coincide with KC’s 816 Day on August 16, 2021 which celebrates the city’s area code. Approximately 6,000 bottles are available as of that date.

The aromas and flavors of this whiskey are very much in keeping with its autumnal providence. Aromas of freshly baked cinnamon buns (cinnamon, butter, vanilla, grain bread) as well as molasses, baked apple, ginger and banana waft out of the glass. The palate has a fairly big hit of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice and tastes quite a bit like ginger snap cookies. Along with dried banana, milk chocolate and molasses, some more savory and earthy notes of rosemary and green tea emerge. The finish is spicy, with a good heat, and begging to be added to a mug of hot cider.