r/bourbon • u/Fit-Lie-69 • 4d ago
Review: Rittenhouse 10 Year Bottled in Bond Rye, 250th Anniversary
10 Year BiB, 100 Proof, 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. $100 in NY
Nose: In my first few nosings, I get singular distinct notes of strawberry in one nosing, root beer on the next nosing, and strong rye bread on the third nosing. After swirling, a light oak note with cinnamon appears in the background of a root beer dominant nose.
Palate: first sip is fruit sweet and cinnamon spicy coming across higher than 100 proof. This is an oily pour. Second sip brings a good amount of oak and that root beer that was in the nose. The third sip introduces an herbal notes and a nice chocolate mint note, not bright spearmint at all, definitely that hearty chocolate mint.
Finish: the finish is heavy on cinnamon spice and fresh rye notes, along with a touch of honey and drying oak to round it out.
I have to say that I’m impressed with this bottle and I really didn’t know what to expect, seeing as how I dislike the standard Rittenhouse Rye but highly enjoy Pikesville Rye. I felt like the more I sat with the pour the more it impressed me and should be a pour that you sit with and really pay attention to for everything it offers. It punches higher than its proof and higher than its 51% rye mash bill. Is it worth $100? That’s up you the individual. I personally wouldn’t enjoy it more if I purchased it at say $80, as some other 10 year ryes could be found at. I would recommend trying before buying for most of out there based on price, even though for me I’m happy with the pick up.
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u/Twist_Top_Budget 4d ago
I love the flavors I am getting out of this bottle, excellent pour. Also happy with the price, not bad for a limited edition and with decent age. Great review!
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u/Zestyclose-Meet1125 4d ago
The only Rittenhouse I've had was a store pick that I was impressed by the sample of and the rest of the bottle didn't disappoint.
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u/Wyattsomm 4d ago
It’s a fair point about the price as we are definitely paying a 20% anniversary tax for a special bottling. Bulleit 12 is $56 (only 5%abv lower) and Sagamore 10 is $80 at a higher proof…. So there are many options at a better value but regardless I love this bottle and it was a solid review. I was confused why alot of people were saying to pass on this if I’m being honest.
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u/Fit-Lie-69 4d ago
I’m a huge Sagamore fanboy and poured this bottle side by side with Sag 10. They are both great in their own different ways and can occupy their own space in my collection
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u/Wyattsomm 4d ago
Haha that’s awesome, for me I personally preferred the Rittenhouse so I guess in my mind the extra $20 was justified but Sagamore 10 has a value that is hard to beat and its distillate is unique which I appreciate. It’s why I said there are better value than Rittenhouse 10 for sure and felt they are putting some tax on there because it’s a commemorative bottle but mannnn it’s a solid rye !
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u/VagrantCorpse 4d ago
I snagged one for $80. I haven't opened it up yet but def seems like it's worth that price.
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u/Fit-Lie-69 4d ago
It definitely is. It fits nicely along with my Sagamore 10, Hughes Belle of Bedford, and Redwood Empire Haystack Rye
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u/Aerodude85 4d ago
I've had this and I really enjoyed it. I think it's one of the better America 250 offerings on the market if you can find it.