Mississippi River Distilling Company Cody Road Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Another star in the American craft-distilling firmament is the Mississippi River Distilling Company. Started in 2010 by the Burchett brothers, Ryan and Garrett, what began as a crazy idea grew into an opportunity to create something that Iowa hadn't seen since prohibition - a chance to create truly home grown, handmade spirits. The brothers were fortunate enough to spend time in Germany training with some of Europe's finest to get the most out of their copper still, and in keeping with a micro distillery approach, 100% of the grains used to make their spirits come from within 25 miles of the distillery.

The boys offer the following introduction to their rye: "In 1846, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was born in LeClaire, Iowa. During his storied life, he was regarded as a regular purveyor of whiskey. Legend has it that rye whiskey was his spirit of choice. So we had to make a rye!

Handmade from 100% local rye purchased from Dave and Jim Wherry in Fulton, Illinois. Our rye is a unique spirit that showcases the wonderful spiciness of this one-of-a-kind grain along with the delicate fruitiness that is often lost in rye whiskies. Rye is known for being a bold and spicy grain. We distill it very cleanly so you can experience a sweet fruitiness that is unexpected from rye."

Tasting note: [No batch noted on the sample] Bright gold. Initially subdued with unusual opening scents of newspaper replaced by attractive cut grass and subtle ryvita biscuit notes; suggestions of dried fruit too. A soft, supple delivery offers light bodied rye biscuit and fruit bread-like flavours with traces of vanillan oak in the aftertaste. Easy drinking and accessible. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... [BATCH 5 tasted] A 100% rye whiskey, made from rye grown about 30 miles from Mississippi River Distilling. Strongly spicy and oily rye character reaching out of the glass and grabbing my nose; some surprising pastry and molasses notes hiding in there. The 40% mildness is disappointing at first, but develops into a spicy, minty mouth-filler with a cleanly sweet finish. On the sweet side, would prefer it drier. 83 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Winter 2013) Reviewed by: Lew Bryson

Golden amber color. Aromas of oily roasted nuts, suede, dried fruits, and toasted meringue with a silky, dryish medium body and a smooth and even, rye dough, honeyed raisin toast, cedar, and mineral finish. Refreshing restraint, refinement and subtlety that grows on you when sipping.
International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal
RATING: 89 points (Highly Recommended)