Pursuit United Triple Mash Rye

This rye uses its youngest whiskey for the fruit.

Ryan Cecil, who blends Pursuit United, says the ryes in it run from four to seven years old. He uses the older ones "for their oak and depth" and the four- and five-year-olds "for their vibrant and fruity qualities."

The ryes come from two states. Bardstown Bourbon Co. in Kentucky makes one at 95% rye. Sagamore Spirit in Maryland makes the other two: another 95% rye, and one at 52% rye with a lot of corn. Cecil says the 88-proof version uses more of Sagamore's 95% rye, because it carries more fruit at a lower proof.

Cecil runs Pursuit Spirits with Kenny Coleman, his partner from the Bourbon Pursuit podcast they started in 2015. Pursuit blends and bottles this rye in Louisville.

At 88 proof it's an easy rye to sip neat. The lemon and ginger notes also make it a natural for a hot toddy, and it works in a Manhattan.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: vanilla lemon cake, citrus herbal tea, cardamom
• Palate: brown sugar, fresh pastry, lemon frosting
• Finish: ginger candy, baking spice, chamomile

Bottle Specifications

• Category: A blend of straight rye whiskeys
• Age: No age statement (components 4 to 7 years, per the blender)
• Mash bills: Bardstown Bourbon Co., KY: 95% rye, 5% malted barley. Sagamore Spirit, MD: 95% rye, 5% malted barley, and 52% rye, 43% corn, 5% malted barley
• Proof / ABV: 88 proof / 44%
• Blender: Pursuit Spirits, Louisville, KY
• Bottle size: 700ml

FAQ

What makes a whiskey a rye?
In the US, rye whiskey has to be at least 51% rye grain. Two of the three ryes in this blend are 95% rye, and the third is 52%.

Why blend whiskeys of different ages?
Older whiskey brings more oak and depth. Younger whiskey keeps more bright fruit. Cecil blends four- to seven-year-old ryes to get both.

Is it the same whiskey as the Barrel Proof?
Same three ryes, in different proportions. The Barrel Proof leans on the 52% rye and isn't cut with water. This one is cut to 88 proof.

Good in a Manhattan and a hot toddy.