Your Cart is Empty
NOVEMBER BOXES SOLD OUT - ORDER NOW FOR DECEMBER CLUB DELIVERY
The ASCOT Awards are judged blind. In 2026 this rye took Double Platinum and Best in Category for blends of straight rye, then the overall Rye of the Year.
Barrel proof means nobody added water before bottling. The whiskey goes in at whatever strength it came out of the barrels, so the number changes from batch to batch. The label has a box where Pursuit writes each batch's proof by hand. Pursuit also calls it "uncut and unfiltered."
It's the same three ryes as the 88-proof Triple Mash Rye: one from Bardstown Bourbon Co. in Kentucky and two from Sagamore Spirit in Maryland. Ryan Cecil, the blender, says he leans on the 52% rye (the one with the most corn) for the higher-proof bottlings because "it provides more sweetness at higher proofs." He says the blend took more than a year to get right.
Pour a small one. At this strength it also makes a big Manhattan.
What does "barrel proof" mean?
The whiskey isn't diluted before bottling. Most whiskey gets water added to bring it down to a set proof, like 88 or 100. Barrel proof skips that, so it's stronger and each batch lands at a slightly different number.
Should I add water?
Try it neat first, then add a few drops. At over 120 proof, a little water usually brings out more aroma.
What are the ASCOT Awards?
A blind-tasted spirits competition founded by whiskey writer Fred Minnick. Rye of the Year is its top rye honor.
Good in a Manhattan.
