Pikesville Supreme Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml)

With its understated black, white and gold label, Pikesville Supreme is representative of a great rye whiskey style known as the Maryland or Potomac style. It offers the sharp, fruity nose and spicy, full-bodied palate so treasured by connoisseurs of American Rye which is now winning over converts in international markets. The original recipe for Pikesville dates back to 1890. Andrew W. Merle began bottling it in 1936. His son, Andrew Jr., distilled Pikesville until 1972. Ten years later, bowing to high costs and low demand, the brand was sold to Heaven Hill Distilleries of Bardstown, Ky. Mercifully, they continued the tradition.

Tasting note: Nose: A curious and delicious mixture of traditional British scrumpy cider and new car interior: this is traditional straight rye at its freshest and fruitiest. Taste: much lighter arrival than the nose suggests, even a hint of corn in there. The fruit slowly starts to return, but only after a sprinkling of brown sugar then a thumping measure of rye. Finish: that usual Heaven Hill rye bitterness on the ending plus some caramel-vanilla to sweeten things a little. Balance: not quite as in your face with the rye as was once the case. 40% Alc./Vol. Rating: 87
- tasting note sourced from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2006 size>