Heaven Hill has owned the Pikesville Rye brand since 1982, and it dates back to 1895 when it was originally distilled in Maryland. These days, it’s made at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, and while the original 3-year-old 40% ABV version will still be available along the East Coast, this version will be available nationally.

The nose has notes of freshly ground cocoa beans, charred oak and a hint of campfire smoke, and touches of white pepper and nutmeg in the background.  The taste is dry, spicy, and intense with clove, cinnamon, and chili powder notes, clover honey, dark chocolate, vanilla, and charred oak. The finish is long, dry, spicy, and well-balanced with hints of clove, honey, vanilla, brown sugar, and oak. Outstanding! (June, 2015)