Old Overholt Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey

While I appreciate a good rye, I seldom keep an affordable bottle of decent rye in my collection. Most of my ryes are premium selections, such as Sagamore Cask Strength and Tequila Finished, Knob Cask Strength, and Alberta Cask Strength. Perhaps I should clarify: I don't keep many regular-strength ryes for mixing or general sipping when I desire a rye that isn't overpowering. This one, despite knowing there are many good options in the $20-30 range like Wild Turkey 101, Old Forester Rye, Overholt, and when on sale, Russell's Reserve Rye and Woodford Reserve Rye (subtle but delicious). As you might notice, I omitted a significant one from that list: when it comes to the more affordable bonded ryes, I lean towards this one, Overholt Bonded, over Rittenhouse BiB. However, I say this with the understanding that I've only had one bottle of Rittenhouse and several of Overholt, Overholt Bonded, and Overholt 114. It's possible I need to try Rittenhouse again, but my previous experience was disappointing. I'd read numerous reviews praising its bold flavor profile, richness, and robustness, yet I found it bland. When drinking it neat, I struggled to discern aromas and flavors. It made me wonder if it had gone flat, similar to a soda left out too long. Even when used as a mixer, it was one of those that couldn't hold its own; the vermouth and bitters overshadowed it. It didn't stand out. For my personal taste, Overholt is a serviceable sipper, especially considering its price point, which allows me to use it freely in mixed drinks without hesitation. It's not exceptionally complex: the nose, surprisingly, is full of rye spice, with hints of vanilla, citrus, and cherries alongside a yeasty note. The palate is much like cherry cola. It's almost as if you're having a whiskey and cola without needing the cola itself, which is beneficial: if you're consuming alcohol, you don't need to add excessive sugar. The finish is peppery and rye-forward, and when used in cocktails, it enhances most drinks, like a Manhattan, without being overpowering. As I'm speaking, I'm enjoying a Boulevardier with my spouse, which is essentially a Negroni made with rye instead of gin. The Overholt adds a pleasant cherry tartness and citrus notes that balance the Campari's herbal bitterness. After, naturally, I poured a small amount of Overholt neat for this review, as this is my last before embarking on 'dry July,' to give my body a respite. So, feel free to disagree about the Overholt Bonded versus Rittenhouse BiB debate. Given the cost of both, I'm quite open to trying Rittenhouse again in the future, but only if I don't see a bottle of Sazerac nearby. In fact, if Sazerac is present, I won't even consider either of these. But that's how it goes. One thing I regret missing out on was an Overholt 11 Year that was on sale locally for a while, but it was a limited edition and is now, sadly, gone. But again, that's how it goes.

New version. Non-chill filtered. Labeled "Bottled in Bond." Red cap. Nose: Wood, caramel, vanilla. Ethanol. Each of these notes develops over time. The wood shifts towards cedar, wood polish, and leather. The caramel has some nuance, reminiscent of bread pudding. The vanilla is present in the bread pudding. Rye notes of mint and menthol appear late. Hints of cinnamon too. The ethanol merely facilitates bringing the glass to your lips – let's be realistic. Palate: Rich and woody. Rye emerges with mint, menthol, and an earthy eucalyptus-like quality. However, it's well-balanced by the warm caramel, similar to what you'd find on an ice cream sundae (vanilla!). Wood cinnamon spice becomes noticeable after a few sips and carries into the finish. Sweet and intoxicating. Rich like a birthday cake, but naturally darkened by the grain (no added chocolate). The spice intensifies on the tongue as it sits – still cinnamon, but approaching spicy pepper territory. Mild tannins appear late on the palate, but are detectable. And then the burn lingers... Excellent for a very inexpensive Bottled-in-Bond rye. It easily competes with rye bottles costing twice its price (or more). It should be a go-to for quiet weeknights or for cocktails. It lacks some refinement, but who minds at this price point. It's incredibly tasty. A regular purchase.

This is my preferred rye for cocktails like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds. I bought this out of curiosity to see if it could replace my current favorite. Perhaps I'm too accustomed to my go-to cocktail rye. Is there a superior option available at a lower cost? The aromas are subtle and faint for a rye, with expected notes of rye or pumpernickel bread dough and a yeasty quality. Hints of cola with lemon, browned bananas, vanilla, and a sugar glaze are also present. The body is light and carries light flavors. There's a spicy, black pepper bite, along with diluted vanilla, brown sugar, and oak. The profile is very limited. The finish features oak and cola with a touch of char, and an unfortunately out-of-tune bitterness. It's an affordable spirit that delivers precisely what's expected for its price point. Its alcohol content makes it suitable for mixing. Given its sparse flavors, it functions best as a mixer, needing complementary ingredients (like vermouth). For a slightly higher price, another brand is considerably better, offering richer flavors that truly elevate cocktails. I will certainly overlook this one in the future. [$19][83/100][Tasted: 11/27/20]

I had never encountered this before in Georgia, so it was an automatic purchase when I found it in a North Carolina ABC Store during a trip. The aroma is slightly herbal and spicy, but mostly "bourbony." While I don't know the grain bill, I'd guess it's very close to the legal limit. It's pleasant and warm and sweet, just as a good bonded whiskey ought to be. Not overly harsh, but the elevated proof is definitely noticeable. The same spiced bourbon flavor is on the palate. It's not revolutionary, but it is satisfying. The flavors become more apparent when you add ice or chill it slightly. The finish is of moderate length and agreeable. I concur with others that this would make an excellent old fashioned. For the cost, I would frequently purchase it (if it were available in my home state). My only disappointment is that the tightly sealed, partially opened bottle somehow lost some liquid during transport, leaving me with a couple of ounces less of fine rye whiskey, and now I have a pair of jeans smelling of alcohol and a sheepish look on my face as I gesture towards the sky and contemplate the mysteries of existence, joy, and destiny. Stay vibrant, everyone.

Revisiting this side-by-side with another 100 proof rye in a similar price bracket. In comparison, the other brand is significantly spicier, possessing a more pronounced spicy Pennsylvania rye character than this expression. However, this one offers greater approachability. It's creamier and more bourbon-like, which is understandable given its mash bill designed as a transitional rye. To be clear, the other brand isn't as spicy as a certain other well-known rye. This has a gentle, sweet creaminess. By contrast, this expression offers a bit more of everything. A sip is mildly sweet with subtle notes of brown sugar, oak, campfire smoke, crème brûlée, and black tea. It's hard to find better for under $30, let alone around $20.

The initial sips are hot and sharp. It does mellow to reveal an almost smooth sweetness with that nutty characteristic others have noted. I'm not entirely sure I enjoy that nuttiness in my rye, but it's distinctive and grew on me somewhat. The rye profile itself is quite pleasing. I'll revisit this for sipping, but most of the bottle will be reserved for [very good] mixers. On a second tasting, I'm less hesitant to use this as a sipper. I mean, why not? It possesses good flavors if you approach it with patience. I'm interested in comparing it directly with Rittenhouse.