Whiskey Rye New York No age statement 45% ABV
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Rich Stabile, founder of Long Island Spirits, named his bourbon and rye whiskeys in honor of the "Rough Riders," the First United States Volunteer Cavalry organized by Teddy Roosevelt in 1898 for the Spanish-American War. The name Bull Moose pays tribute to Roosevelt, who, after surviving an assassination attempt, famously stated, "it takes more than that to kill a bull moose." His Progressive Party later became known as the "Bull Moose Party." This sourced whisky comprises 95% rye and 5% malted barley. It is aged in three types of casks: new American oak, followed by ex-bourbon casks, and then finished in casks that previously held their Pine Barrens Single Malt (made from Blue Point Brewery Old Howling Bastard beer).
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Showing the most detailed of 16 parsed reviews.
The only thing to say about this whiskey is that it's not good. It tastes like a very unaged whiskey with bitter malt whiskey added. You can definitely tell it spent time in single malt casks, but that flavor profile shouldn't be added to rye, at least not this way. It smells bitter, tastes bitter, and you quickly want to forget the finish.
I attended a tasting at their distillery. The Bull Moose is definitely a young rye whiskey, and slightly overpowering even with a few drops of water. Strong alcohol on the nose. The palate is rich in sweet citrus. Overall, not too bad, but nothing amazing. If you can visit LIS, I'd suggest trying their XO Brandy. It's more engaging!
The expert reviewer's description of this as a "unique-tasting whisky" was accurate. This Rough Rider Rye leans a little too hard into the "rough" part of its moniker. The intense cinnamon flavor and heavy malt cask character serve only to mask the immaturity of this whisky that is not quite ready.
It shares some floral and earthy characteristics with another spirit, but also features red and black licorice notes. Worth sampling to form your own opinion.
Not as spicy as I prefer my rye. It has a sweet character, but it's not overpowering. Not very distinct, but a solid rye.
Among the most uninteresting bourbons I've encountered. Not bad, simply uninteresting.
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