Rittenhouse is one of few Rye Whiskeys that was available throughout the dark age of Rye, where it was nearly impossible to get a bottle of Rye. Rittenhouse was known as the weapon of choice in the arsenal of many cocktail masters who knew what Rye can deliver. Rittenhouse is a modern Rye that includes the roots of Pennsylvania (Monongahela) style Rye even though it’s being produced in Kentucky by Heaven Hill.
Rittenhouse Straight Rye is bottled in bond which means that it is a product of a single distillery, made in a single season in a single year. It is aged for at least 4 years and is mostly made from Rye mash. Recently updated with a 1930’s label this Rye Whisky is a monumental creation.
What does Rittenhouse 100 Proof Straight Rye Whisky taste like?
The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Rittenhouse 100 Proof Straight Rye Whisky and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Tough to beat for the price. Won’t find a better mixer for old fashioneds. Good enough just poured in the glass too. A little sweet for a rye but good pepper and spice.
Trudy,
I loved the flavor
Dale,
This stuff is just plain good.
Robinson,
I use it for Manhattans purely and it does the job excellently.
Richie,
surprisingly good for the price. consistent, sweet like vanilla. Spicy finish
Joe,
Bet nice strong and holds up well in a cocktail.
Jaka,
Light, drinkable and perfect for a Manhattan
Theo,
Solid and inexpensive. A good rye to have in a home bar, flavor stands up well in cocktails and is a good gateway into rye for bourbon drinkers.
Michael,
classic Pennsylvania Rye. For the price it's a nice pour
John,
Pretty delicious rye for the price point. Smooth and spicy for the proof as well. Faint notes of marzipan on the way out. It’s about what I expected.
Craig,
This was the Rye to convert me to Rye! What a flavour and what a smile every time I drink it. Complex flavours that have quite a length. Get a bottle, a couple of cubes of ice and you’re well away.
Luin,
Pleasant. Good feel. Slight sweetness. Spice is perfect. Very enjoyable neat or in cocktails
Alexander,
When it comes to bottled-in-bond, straight rye, is there really a substitute? This is it! Great neat or mixed. You're definitely going to know it's a rye. This one doesn't tease you. Please make a Manhattan with this.
Mark,
Well said! My preferred bottle for a Manhattan and a nice change of pace by itself.
Yaser,
Solid rye, nice neat or in a cocktail, easy to drink
Anders,
Well balanced – I didn’t find it quite as spicy as some other reviews would have you think, but a nice peppery nose and some cinnamon and caramel in the palate. It’s good neat and works tremendously well in a Boulevardier. Overall, great value.
guest,
A straight up rye whiskey that is great for cocktails.
Mike,
The spice kicks you in the teeth right away, but then you get some sweet vanilla to smooth it all out.
SCOTT,
Fantastic value rye. Spice and caramel followed by vanilla and sweetness on the back end. Definitely buying a bottle next time I shop.
Stephen,
Very good Rye at a great price !
Robinson,
This is the spiciest rye I’ve had with a subtle sweetness on the end. Can’t wait to try it in a Manhattan.
Jason,
Tastes more like bourbon than rye to me
Dave,
Go to for cocktails
Seth,
A cinnamon parade in my mouth. Spicy rye-bomb. I can’t understand how the price is so low.
Bryce,
I think Rittenhouse rye is underrated. For around $25 this rye is great for sipping neat, on the rocks, and in Manhattans. If you don't prefer a big rye spice, you won't like this. It has a big bold rye-spiciness flavor profile with a touch of sweetness. I love it.
aaron,
Spicy rye and an amazing value. Good for sipping or mixing.
Tod,
The old reliable, usually tag-teamed with Noilly Prat vermouth.
Scott,
Great for Manhattan.
Clark,
we bought this as part of the Ryevolution tasting box, and was the second we tried.
definite vanilla on the nose.
a lot of burn in the taste and follows in the finish. caramel comes though in the finish as well.
For me, maybe better mixed in drinks.
Daniel,
Solid rye
Stanley,
Significant taste and value! fully recommend !
Thomas,
Tremendous value and availability. Reminds me of a softer Pikesville Rye which is my personal favorite. Great whisky for cocktails.
Michael,
Perfect for cocktails
Phil,
Rittenhouse smells spice and rye on the nose with a hint of maple syrup. The tastes begins hot and spicy that burns fast (like wasabi). The burn wakes you up and immediately follows with rye, brown sugar, and dryness (like a dry red wine). Finish is a slow burn follows but the honey/maple syrup lingers. Overall this is highly enjoyable.
Joe,
Spice and ethanol on the nose. Cinnamon, black pepper, dark chocolate round out the mouth. The heat is in the finish. Not amazing, but excellent value under $25.
William,
Best home cocktail whiskey
Antti,
It is an outstanding, balanced, bottled in bond Straight Rye Whisky that has an aromatic birth; while a bold life leads to a long & tangy death with notes of dark chocolate, marmalade, copper, rye, oak, corn & barley.
Mat,
This was pretty good, particularly for the price but felt a little bit flat.
Struggled to draw out many pronounced aromas and flavours but generally had a peppery, spicy rye character.
Nice enough but lacks a bit of flavour, the first reasonable whisky at this strength at this price point though.
Denison,
Very good on the rocks! Nice bite and then a smooth finish.
Laura,
I love this whiskey
Jernique,
Liked it. Great straight or with mixer. Love the proof the kick and smoothness at the end. The caramel, vanilla and leather hit nice in the middle and mellow out all together at the end.
Bryan,
Notes of caramel, spice and vanilla. Good everyday Rye. Not a lot of flavor in my opinion. Good to use with mixers. I would spend a little more on a product with more flavor and spice. Ok for the price.
Matt,
Grain, wood, and leather on the nose. Surprisingly not overly spicy. Dry-mouth finish. Light caramel notes.
Mark,
Great everyday Rye.
Diane,
Great for old fashions and other mixed drinks esp @ 100 proof.
Riley,
Price is amazing for such a bold and Rick taste
Alexander,
This is excellent! A staple for a home bar. This rye is a great mixer and sipper. A steal under $25.
Paul,
Nice drink,she gives you a bit of a sting, but the aftertaste is really good and lasting
Chad,
This was the budget buy and I can't believe the value. It will beat a lot of more expensive rye. I was amazed how little burn it had at 100 proof. Great spice, oily thick mouthfeel, rich. Little bit shorter finish with some vanilla and spearmint lingering with the spice.
David,
Fantastic for the price. Packs a bit of spice, but not overpowering. Perfect for sipping on whilst eating a pack of Skittles (don't knock it till you've tried).
Jessica,
This is an excellent tasting whisky and I cant believe the cost as well! Been looking for a staple sipper or ginger beer mixer and this can serve both purposes to their highest extent. It has a spice and bite that is just right, not too subtle and not too big like a lot of 100 proof ryes.
Jim,
If you like bourbon and don't like Rye, this is the rye for you......
Yordan,
It worn a Superior Gold medal on the Tokyo Whisky Spirits Competition 2020. It is an amazing Rye. Add a few drops of water and it will blow your mind!
Paul,
No better rye can be bought. Everything you want in a rye; spicy, complex, without the astringency of many 100 proofs. Bonded makes it perfect for mixing.
Amy,
not a favourite
Jon,
Not very flavorful. So so.
Stefan,
The nose is very light, a rye note is present but other than that it is hard to distinguish maybe something sweet. Taste is light rye and spice, not surprising but not so clear and it fades as a more sweet caramel, cinnamon note comes. A good introduction to rye if you only what to get used to the rye and spicey taste.
Brian,
Has a tasting with 5 people and had the whole table asking for more - couldn’t believe it’s 100 proof and that smooth for a rye
Tom,
Like it. Its a great rye at a great price.
David,
The first bottle I had of this was really good. The second, not as much. I found that Bulleit Rye is more to my liking, as this is a little harsh when having neat, which is how I prefer to drink whiskey.
Bennett,
Best Rye on the market for making cocktails!
Daryl,
This is one of my favorite ryes, especially for the price. Very easy to drink. I actually have a hard time finding it in stock in stores which speaks to its popularity.
Rusty,
So Far one of my favorite Ryes. High dollar flavor, not a hight dollar price
Travis,
smooth, sweet, easy drinking rye. My everyday mixer, great price and enough proof to make a good mixed drink.
Aaron,
A classic rye, definitely nice to have as a daily drinker if you can manage to get it in decent supply. Plenty of caramel and spice, light bits of chocolate as well. Overall a very pleasant tipple and definitely doesn't taste the proof it is.
Michael,
This is my go to every day rye these days. As another reviewer said there is a nice caramel in the first taste followed by spice and oak. Very reasonably priced for the quality.
michael,
I love Rye's and this one did not disappoint. You are greeted with the sweet caramel followed by the spice and an oak finish. Reasonable price for guilt free imbibing.
Eric,
Very nice rye for the price. Nice rye and pepper spice with a long finish.
Andrew,
Bought as a mixer for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. Superb for rye whiskey cocktails. Pretty good as a neat rue as well. Plenty of rye spice and pepper flavors with an underlying sweetness. Very good for a ~$20 whiskey.
John,
Awesome for the price point! Makes a killer old-fashioned.
Matthew,
Excellent for the price point. Straight forward rye spiciness but also fairly complex. Thought this would just be a good mixer for old fashioned's and Manhattans but had a neat drink of it first and was pleasantly surprised how good of a sipper it is. A really good staple rye for anyone's bar.
Mark,
The spiciness suits my palate neat but it also might be the perfect whiskey part of a Manhattan. All manner of delicious either way.
NAOMI,
Smooth and so easy with subtle sweetness. It goes down so nicely neat.
Edoardo,
The aroma raising my nose remind me Xmas Italian pandoro with vanilla sugar on top: clear vanilla smell very distinctive . The flavor is typical for Rye whisky with spicy savory opening and sweet fruity finish. Surprise surprise
Adam,
Well rounded for a rye and makes a great Old Fashioned.
Erik,
Fruity sweet, still spicy! Very good!
Erik,
If you want a budget rye thats on the spicier side of the flavor profile, give this a try
Jude,
Definitely taste the vanilla and caramel. Less spicy than I thought. Has a medium finish with some kick in the back
Lauren,
Great for cocktails
Jukka,
I little bit of a raw taste, but i like it when sitting campfire
Noah,
Currently my favorite rye. Floral, grass, and rye spice. Really good neat, but I think better if it rests for a few minutes with just a touch of water.
Arnaud,
Rittenhouse 100 Rye :
Nez : Alcool très présent, grain, fleuri, bois et érable ?
Bouche : bouquet d épices, fraîcheur, plantes, sirop
(Il me fait penser plus à une liqueur de plante qu'à un whisky)
Nez +5/10min aeration : arômes sublimée, bois (erable?) Épices et plantes très présentes
Bouche: arômes de liqueurs aux herbes
Arnaud,
Rittenhouse 100 Rye :
Nez : Alcool très présent, grain, fleuri, bois et érable ?
Bouche : bouquet d épices, fraîcheur, plantes, sirop
(Il me fait penser plus à une liqueur de plante qu'à un whisky)
Nez +5/10min aeration : arômes sublimée, bois (erable?) Épices et plantes très présentes
Bouche: arômes de liqueurs aux herbes
Arnaud,
Rittenhouse 100 Rye :
Nez : Alcool très présent, grain, fleuri, bois et érable ?
Bouche : bouquet d épices, fraîcheur, plantes, sirop
(Il me fait penser plus à une liqueur de plante qu'à un whisky)
Nez +5/10min aeration : arômes sublimée, bois (erable?) Épices et plantes très présentes
Bouche: arômes de liqueurs aux herbes
Arnaud,
Rittenhouse 100 Rye :
Nez : Alcool très présent, grain, fleuri, bois et érable ?
Bouche : bouquet d épices, fraîcheur, plantes, sirop
(Il me fait penser plus à une liqueur de plante qu'à un whisky)
Nez +5/10min aeration : arômes sublimée, bois (erable?) Épices et plantes très présentes
Bouche: arômes de liqueurs aux herbes
Erik,
Best rye for Manhattans and pretty decent on the rocks
Chris,
My favorite everyday Rye. Best bang for your buck. Spicy, good for making cocktails or on its own.
Kyle,
The Manhattan standard as far as I'm concerned. On its own it could serve in a pinch. It's not gonna blow you away but this is so good for the price. If you usually sip whisky neat but you're looking for a mixer, look no further.
Owen,
Makes a really excellent Manhattan
Chris,
For those who like to taste the rye in their cocktail. It's strong and good and it's super inexpensive. I almost always have a bottle on my bar.
Jay,
Harsh start. Harsh finish
Luke,
Great nose, quite spicy and a hint of orange. Front palate is good, caramel and spice. Overall a good rye and one I would buy a bottle of.
Edward,
Really great whiskey. Lovely mellow spice and incredibly smooth for 50%. Great.
Günter,
Did not appeal when served neat, but made an enjoyable Old Fashioned. Would rank it in the runner-up column for Ryes.
Patrick,
You cannot go wrong with Rittenhouse in your Old Fashioned. It's a solid, inexpensive option for any cocktail.
Aaron,
This is one of my all time favorites for mixing into a nice Old Fashioned. It has the power to shine through and remind you it's there but it's not harsh. It's even pretty good neat. The price is definitely right for what it delivers. Good buy!
Zach,
Very smooth, caramel flavor is good.
Sunil,
A lil sweet, but wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers. Not a bad finish, but not a great start.
Daniel,
Aroma: hospital grade anti-septic, hints of spice. Taste: warm and short lived spice. After times of wood. On ice: spice lasts longer and warmth is subtle. Hints of sweetness pulls through. Overall I'd have it again, but maybe not a full bottle.
Sunni,
This is an amazing eye for the price. Floral, smooth, with a great nose.
Rene,
To be honest, it is a good one, but bit too strong for my taste.
Holly,
Solid rye whiskey, nothing special but nothing wrong. Well balanced overall and a good value.
Daniel,
Pretty sweet for a rye, almost like an in-between of rye and bourbon for my taste. I really enjoy it.
Maïlys,
Good but a little too sweet for me
Melissa,
For mixing only - Base for manhattans , vieux carre, etc
Robert,
Didn't love it - spicier than Michter's but not as unique or drinkable as Zuidam to me
Ken,
Love it. Very smooth, nice
Jim,
Very nice rye for the price.
Courtney,
Straight classic rye. Great pepper/sweet mix. This is a very nice sip for very little money.
David,
Love it. Very smooth, nice spiciness to it. Would definitely recommend to friends.
Donna,
A classic rye. Spicy with a hint of pepper
Michael,
Love this rye. Great taste. Packs a punch. And at an amazing price point.
Karen,
Very nice. Nice bite and smoothness.
Timothy,
Stunningly good Rye that punches way above its weight class. I could go into Aromatics ams Taste but it’s late and I’m tired. So it’s like this: deceptively smooth & spicy cherry bomb. I made a great simple style old-fashioned and it was goooood. Buy a bottle, you won’t be disappointed.
Jason,
👍
Robert,
Inspection: Nice Golden Color, Semi thick on the side of the glass.
Aroma: Strong smell. Lots of Caramel and Oaky scents
Taste: Stong Bite, heavy caramel. Smooth, with a strong Spicy Bite at the end.
Exhale: Is a bit stronger than I like.
Overal: Decent, dont think Id buy a Bottle tho.
Erwin,
My favorite of the rye tasting box. I agree with the tasting notes, except I think it's a little stronger on the nose.
Liz,
Subtle spiciness with solid carmel and vanilla notes throughout. Long stems and an even longer finish.
James,
Great value rye fantastic in cocktails
Zane,
Great neat or with an ice ball. Can't beat this flavor for the price.
Michael,
really good, but not quite WhistlePig
Dallas,
Strong, would be a good cocktail liquor.
John,
This is a very versatile rye whiskey. Love it as a primat spirit in a Manhattan or in a rye and ginger. Also like it straight up or on the rocks. Defintly worth having on your bar.
Robert,
With minimal ice to open up and just chill this Rye, it is mellow, slight peppery notes and just the right amount of dryness to make this a good go to Rye
Daniel,
Dollar for flavor this is tough to beat. Heavy and hot but still smooth.
Steve,
I'm always looking for good value drinks, and this was very good for the price. I don't have much experience with ryes, but this was definitely different from a bourbon (my previous experience with rye was Jim Beam Rye, which just tasted like Jim Beam to me).
Justin,
You can't beat it for the price. You can make a high quality cocktail for cheap with this or just drink it neat. I like to add just a bit of water.
Michael,
Really good flavor, and nice spicy taste.
Oliver,
It's the best bottle of whiskey at this price hands down. Absolutely ideal for mixing.
John,
A very nice surprise for the price. Smooth and good flavor. The finish was not what i expected but ok.
Chris,
One of my favorite Ryes, especially at it’s price.
Charles,
Nice rye taste comes out after a small ice cube added.
Anthony,
Really smooth. Beats out my Michter’s US1
Regis,
Bold & spicy with some heat. I drink i
Marc,
Very easy to drink rye. Much smoother than typical ryes, without the bite. Mixes really well in cocktails and takes on flavors well. My favorite rye for creating my own infused whiskeys.
Tim,
Smooth and easy drinking, excellent for the price!!
Nathan,
Probably my favorite budget whiskey so far.
Luke,
Not bad, but not my cup of whiskey...
Sergiu,
A bit strong, however very tasteful
Stephanie,
Smooth
Luke,
Nose: Sweet, Corn,
Taste: Sweet honey, rye spice, some vanilla through the middle, oak and corn on the finish
Jeremy,
My go-to bottle for Manhattans. Perfect balance of spice and flavor at a great price.
Maya,
Good one
Maja,
Great
Charles,
My first real Rye whiskey, great at its price point, and especially at it's 50% strength and bottle in bond. Can't say I have fallen for Rye, but would go to this one again. Cheers Charlie
Sarah,
Loves this.
David,
A fine easy to drink Rye. Not to complex, but, still a good pour or mixer.
Melanie,
This is a good smooth whiskey. I drink whiskey with water or club soda but this would be fine on it's own.
Blake,
Love it for mixing! Love it neat! It is great to always have around! Yeah it isn't complex but it will keep you warm.
Jonathan,
I can't complain about this really at all - only that it doesn't carry the complexity and depth that I know can exist in a quality whiskey. For the price point though - and enjoyable neat at 100 proof, this has a balance in both taste and production/sale that I love. Makes terrific Manhattans by the way and other rye forward cocktails.
John,
Good for mixing, stands up nicely with vermouth.
scott,
This is a spice and flavor bomb. Every bar should have a bottle of this for mixed drinks that need a nice Rye with the goods to stand up to ice and other cocktail ingredients to make a superb prohibition era libation!
Donald,
This is not fantastic but it will do for a cocktail.
Anastasia,
Hot, spirit forward rye that's my favourite to use in cocktails and for mixology.
Wendy,
We loved this!
Greg,
For a 100 proof whiskey, this one is flavor front with heat following slowly. I drink my whiskey neat and this is very drinkable. The price point is spot on. The copper color is quite nice. The flavor profile includes vanilla, spice and ripe fruit. More complex than I would expect. Definitely an especially enjoyable everyday whiskey.
Terry,
I enjoyed this rye, I would say nice clean crisp taste, and I would buy again.
Brian,
this is what i think about when rye enters a conversation. none better in this price range
Scott,
Nice and smooth
Christopher,
Very tasty, one of my go-to ryes.
Scott,
Nice and smooth
Sam,
One of the best ryes in this price range
Aaron,
Great for the price
Matt,
Solid as a stand alone or for making cocktails.
Thomas,
great everyday drinker, especially at the price. Little spice but overall a nice sweet profile for my taste
Amy,
Bold, very strong, smell is appealing
Ro,
My go-to for cocktails. Packs a punch with lots of flavor.
Pete,
Spicy but with some butterscotch.
Lisa,
Really spicy. The extra alcohol shines through.
Bruce,
Best Manhattan base ever
Andrew,
Spiced & Sweet, harsh burn but makes up in flavour
Carl,
Smoke, cream, good!
Chuck,
Wow.. this one is as smooth as it is STRONG.. it will knock you on your butt if you're not careful. I think i'll take Jame's advice and made Old Fashioned with it.
Andrew,
Strong, bold rye, lingering tongue tingle with spiced corn taste.
Spot on.
David,
Burned like a ball of fire. Yikes!! Never again
Brent,
Value at its best
Kevin,
A great Rye addition to the bar. Smooth and follows the typical high standards of Heaven Hills!!
James,
Spicy. Makes for an excellent old fashioned, the dryness of the rye and the pepper and spice notes really balance nicely with a bit of sugar and bitters
Kevin,
Heaven Hills does it right with this Rye! Highly recommend!!
Brian,
spicey, as well as afordable
Kyle,
Not too expensive and amazingly delicious.
Kyle,
Don't know how this landed on here it was meant for Blantons is there a way to remove or edit a review?
Jim,
Maybe I still looking to be able to taste the things I am suppose to. It was very dry and did not taste the flavors that where mention about it. it the first rye whiskey I tried. Maybe it will grow on me.
Steve,
Nice rye whiskey
Brad,
Smooth with a good bite.
Leah,
My go-to rye for cocktails. Great value.
Gerry,
Very good
Robert,
Much better for a mixer
Charles,
Incredible value. It is very smooth but with a bit of that rye bite that you expect.
Jake,
Can’t believe the price for the taste...Very smooth and flavorful
Mario,
My favorite rye for cocktails.
Daniel,
Was strong with a bite was ok
Jim,
OK had some notes of charcoal but no Carmel was smooth no after taste.
Albert,
Rye forward with a-lot of spice
David,
Smooth and great tasting!
Nicholas,
So you said you wanted a rye... What Jack is to bourbon and Johnnie is to scotch; so Rittenhouse is to rye. It doesn't roll off the tongue as well though. I suggest Rittenhouse as a base for mixing but it's not bad on its own. It's very mellow for a rye but less syrupy sweet than many bourbons. A good choice for the price point but you can get 1776 for similar. Maybe if you're wheening yourself off sweet liquors?
Sam,
My go-to rye. I’m sorry that’s not more helpful.
Zechariah,
I’m not a rye guy.
Richard,
Very tasty
Behnam,
Excellent in Manhattan's with no afterbite.
Dean,
I am partial to Ryes, this one is great. Has a strong rye flavor and a nice warming/spiciness on the front end with a slight sweet burnt caramel on the back end with lasting spice.
Doesn't need a capful of water, but it does bring out the sweet tones and caramel flavor of this whiskey.
Michael,
Perfect for a great manhattan.
Brad,
100 proof burn. However, sweet nose and good flavor. Rye balanced with the caramel feel. A touch spicy.
Joe,
I like this one.
Micah,
You don't get the true flavor of the grain until really late. The initial flavors are a wonderful blend of honey and some sweeter spice notes. I can see how this would stand up nicely in a manhattan.
Jeff,
Chicago Athletic Assn. Fantastic
Jimmy,
Good
Deja,
Spicy.
Amaury,
Great Manhattan maker!
Eric,
Best rye, budget and otherwise.
Chris,
Spicy, great value.
Jonathan,
The aroma signals a strong, high-octane rye with a warm vanilla note. Satisfying heat, strong rye tang on the tongue with a nice complement of sweet notes. Looking forward to buying a bottle to add this as an ingredient in my cocktails.
Zac,
My personal go-to.
guest,
Wonderful, full bodied, complex rye that is perfect in Manhattans. Also a great value in what has turned into an expensive category.
Matthew,
Strong but delectable.
guest,
Perfect for Manhattan's.
Josh,
Enjoy the nose, add a bit of water and revel in the taste. Very tasty stuff.
SJ,
Very nice! Even works well in paper cups in the cinema watching James Bond.
Vladimir,
A kick in the nuts. But kind of pleasant, hard to explain.
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