In February, J. Rieger & Co. released a 90-proof straight rye whiskey—the last piece of the local distillery’s affordable whiskey trifecta.
The first piece came in 2014, when the historic distillery came back to life: Kansas City Whiskey, a delightful blend of three four-year whiskeys and 15-year oloroso sherry from Jerez, Spain. The second piece was Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey, released last August, and the third is last month’s Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey.
The latter two are both 90-proof versions of award-winning (and more expensive) 100-proof older brothers. Those older brothers are “bottled in bond,” which means they’re aged for at least six years and follow rules written in the late 1800s; the youngins are aged for at least four years and use a modern distilling process that achieves a high-dollar taste without the costly requirements. That lets them sit on shelves for around $35.
We tasted (and loved) J Rieger’s straight bourbon whiskey last year. We wrote that it “has a body that goes down slowly, gently, before the kick.” It’s a persuasive sip, one that starts with a kiss and pulls you to something thrilling. Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey, though, hits you up front and keeps pressing.
This makes sense. Bourbons tend to be sweet, as far as whiskeys go—they’re at least 51 percent corn. Ryes are often bolder and include at least 51 percent rye. Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey is 96 percent rye. J. Rieger & Co.’s master distiller, Nathan Perry, wanted it to be distinct, and he did it.
Say you’re at a beach, wading in the water. A sip of Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey is getting smacked by a sun-warmed wave and riding it to shore, buzzing with adrenaline until you come to rest. It’s no kiss, but it’s a thrill.
You can find Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey wrapped in a red label next to its cohorts, Kansas City Whiskey and Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey, on Kansas City shelves now.