Three New Ways to Rye, With Wigle, George Dickel and Organic Nation

by Jacob Grier on Jan 15, 2013 in Liquor
Three New Ways to Rye, With Wigle, George Dickel and Organic Nation

Rye is enjoying a renaissance. A niche product that sold at a bargain price just a few years ago, distilleries today struggle to make enough to satisfy the bartenders and consumers who have rediscovered it. There are now more than fifty brands of rye whiskey available in the United States, according to NPR. Here are three new ways to enjoy the spirit.

White Dog Rye


The logic of supply and demand dictates that when demand for a product rises, as it has for rye, suppliers will begin making more of it. The complication for whiskey is that making it takes time; rye distilled now may need several years in barrels before it’s ready for market.

That said, whiskey doesn’t have to be aged, and many small distilleries have experimented with “white dog” whiskey that showcases the spirit before oak exerts its influence. Often these products do more to demonstrate the value of barrel ageing than they do for the spirits themselves. Not so with Wigle Whiskey, the initial offering from a new distillery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their rye white dog is a standout among white whiskeys, with a fruity note (as one expects to find in unaged liquor) matched with a very nice spice from the rye.

The name is in honor of Philip Wigle, one of the distillers behind the 1791 Whiskey Rebellion against federal taxes. He was sentenced for treason before being pardoned by President George Washington. The logo, which at first glance may resemble a fishing lure, reflects his narrowly avoided sentence. Oregon is the second state in which this spirit is available.

Tennessee-Style Rye

Tennessee whiskey isn’t required to be filtered through charcoal, but the two whiskey brands most identified with the state do take advantage of this process to mellow the spirit and set it apart from bourbon. One of these brands, George Dickel, is now applying that technique to rye.

Unlike Dickel’s Tennessee whiskey, which is filtered before aging in barrels, the rye is filtered after aging is complete. This puts it in strange territory, with the charcoal smoothing out any rough edges. The result is a spirit that is pleasant to sip neat at 90 proof, though not one that asserts itself in a cocktail, as do ryes with a more distinctive kick. Dickel shows the softer side of rye.

Organic Rye

Organic Nation has been producing organic gin and vodka in Ashland, Oregon, since 2008, and now the distillery is venturing into rye. OldField Rye is aged 22 months in new oak barrels. What’s it taste like? According to the official website copy, “it has a bit of sweet vanilla and cinnamon notes,” but it’s only available at the distillery and a few Southern Oregon liquor stores. Given the quality of Organic Nation’s other spirits (currently available in Oregon, California, Washington and online), it’s likely worth picking up, if one is lucky enough to find it.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon has debuted an entirely new label design, has expanded to more states...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 3, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close