Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey (80 proof)

This is an 86 proof rye, aged for four years. While most sources indicate the mash bill is unknown, one article from 2023 suggests it's not Jim Beam's typical rye mash (Jim Beam owns the brand), but rather 80% rye and 20% sprouted barley. The majority of evidence contradicts that writer, yet I find Old Overholt to have more characteristic rye notes than Knob Creek rye, which also comes from Jim Beam. It appears as a dark copper in the glass. AROMA: Immediately upon nosing, I detected honey and apples. Then a floral note emerged, which I only perceived once or twice before vanishing. After the floral note disappeared, there was a pronounced apple juice aroma, a faint hint of mixed spices, and finally, spicy butter. MOUTHFEEL: It's smooth yet thin. TASTE: I almost regret choosing tonight for my review, as my palate didn't extract as much from the glass as it has previously. Palates can fluctuate, and what is outstanding one time might seem less so on another occasion. I would have postponed the review until a later date, but I had planned to do one for several weeks and wanted to complete the task. Tonight, all I detected was spice and oak, whereas before I also perceived a definite sweetness – though I can't recall its specific characteristics. This whiskey is better than it appears based on this tasting. FINISH: It has a medium-length finish of spiced oak and a vegetal note. OVERALL: This spirit is superior to what this review suggests. It's not a top-tier rye, but it is good, and I would purchase it again. I am confident that the next time this bottle is part of my rotation, it will deliver the experience I've come to expect – not the most complex whiskey, but certainly one that offers good value for its cost, and more. RATING: On my personal rating scale, it ranks at the fifth level out of eight (counting from the bottom), which signifies 'Good.' This translates to 3.125 stars, 62.5/100, or 6.25/10.

I observed that my local liquor store now stocks old overholt at 86 proof (they also offer a bottled in bond version) instead of the previous 80 proof, so I decided to review the remainder of my old 80 proof bottle. I've never really considered this rye whiskey suitable for sipping. Perhaps it was the cost or the absence of enthusiastic endorsements, but it has always performed well in cocktails. Upon tasting it neat, it's not that it's bad on its own, just uninspiring. The aroma is quite captivating, especially for a 3-year-old rye. There's no ethanol harshness, only rye, oak, vanilla, and lemon zest. Unfortunately, despite the solid nose, the palate is underwhelming. It's very thin and watery. The spice and rye do appear, but they aren't nearly potent enough to counteract the thin, watery sensation. The finish is also brief and disappears quickly, with a slight warmth and a trace of spice. So, I wouldn't say it's bad; the nose is actually quite decent, it just doesn't quite deliver at the end. I'm genuinely surprised it performs so well in cocktails given how watery it is, but regardless, for the incredibly low price, it's a respectable everyday sipper if you're not seeking anything extraordinary. However, for about five dollars more, you can upgrade to the superior bottled in bond version. I'm curious to see how the 86 proof compares to the 80 proof. I suspect it will lose the watery quality and could be an excellent value sipper.

This is an inexpensive rye that offers more than its price suggests. Poured neat, the aroma presents mild banana and fruity gum, spiced rye dough, and fresh oak. It's not potent at 80 proof but still satisfactory. The palate has sweet banana foster, mild rye, and oak. It lacks depth or robustness but is enjoyable. It doesn't have the dill character found in MGP 95% ryes, which is a positive for many. The finish is a drying oaky spice with soft vanilla. It tastes young with a slight rye tingle and light flavor. Nevertheless, I consider it a great value at around $15-20. I prefer more intense, flavorful rye, but if you're exploring rye or need a mixer, this is an easy pick......76/100.............adequate for sipping neat but not a powerhouse.

Licorice! I favor spicy rye whiskeys such as Rittenhouse. They perform well in mixed drinks. This past weekend, I attended a gathering with companions. They inquired if I could supply the necessary items for preparing Manhattans. Consequently, I selected this rye as an economical option to share. The final outcome was quite disappointing. I should have allocated a bit more money and chosen Bulleit rye instead.

A direct, no-frills rye you should definitely try or purchase when the chance arises. It provides a solid rye foundation at a very low price. This rye is bold. Oak and grain are presented humbly and industriously. The aroma is sweet and unassuming. I've never seen a bottle sell for over $16, yet it outperforms bottles costing two to three times as much.

I haven't sampled many other Rye whiskeys, but I found Old Overholt to be quite easy to drink. Not much sweetness was noticeable. Smooth with minimal alcohol burn. A robust, but not overwhelming, rye character is present throughout. A slightly woody aftertaste that fades rapidly. Considering the price, it's difficult to find better, particularly in an Old Fashioned.