Taconic Distillery Founder's Rye Whiskey is a masterfully crafted small-batch spirit that embodies the essence of New York's Hudson Valley. Aged in virgin American white oak barrels for a minimum of six years, this 90-proof rye whiskey boasts a bold, spicy character balanced by a hint of natural sweetness. Its mash bill, consisting of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, delivers a complex palate with notes of warm caramel, cinnamon, toffee, and subtle herbal undertones. The addition of artisanal, mineral-rich spring water from Taconic's farm ensures an exceptionally smooth sipping experience. Perfect for rye enthusiasts, Founder's Rye Whiskey offers an authentic "grain-to-glass" profile that celebrates craftsmanship, terroir, and tradition.
Process & Profile
Crafted in the picturesque Hudson Valley of New York, Taconic Distillery's Founder's Rye Whiskey is a true testament to artisan distilling. Utilizing a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, this whiskey embodies the essence of high-rye craftsmanship. It is aged for a minimum of six years in charred virgin American white oak barrels, giving it a rich golden caramel hue. To retain maximum flavor, Taconic opts not to chill filter, preserving the natural oils and fatty molecules that contribute to its robust taste profile. At 90 proof (45% ABV), this rye is both bold and exceptionally smooth, thanks to the use of mineral-rich spring water sourced directly from the distillery's farm.
Tasting Notes
Taconic Founder's Rye Whiskey delivers a complex and captivating sensory journey. On the nose, floral and herbal aromas intertwine with hints of rye bread, cinnamon, and subtle citrus notes like peach and orange. The palate is a delicate dance of sweet and spicy notes, featuring orange, vanilla cream, toffee, cinnamon, clove, and a touch of cracked pepper. The whiskey finishes medium in length with a mildly drying oak presence, complemented by lingering notes of dark chocolate, old leather, and sponge toffee. Its well-rounded profile is a satisfying mix of sweet, herbal, and spicy.
What Makes It Special
What sets Taconic Founder's Rye Whiskey apart is the meticulous care and attention to detail at every stage of its creation:
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Grain-to-Glass Production: Taconic sources high-quality local grains and spring water, ensuring sustainability and local flavor excellence.
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No Chill Filtration: By skipping this process, the whiskey retains more of its natural flavor and body.
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Unique Aging Process: The whiskey matures in 53-gallon char #3 barrels housed in uninsulated storage, taking advantage of temperature fluctuations to deepen its flavor.
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Award-Winning Heritage: Taconic Distillery's whiskeys have consistently earned accolades, including top ratings in Jim Murray's *Whisky Bible*.
How to Enjoy
Taconic Founder's Rye Whiskey is versatile and perfect for any occasion:
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Neat or On the Rocks: Appreciate its smooth, intricate flavors in their purest form.
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Cocktail Classic: Elevate your rye-based cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan with this high-quality spirit.
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With a Splash of Water: Unleash additional aromatics and flavors by adding a few drops of water to your pour.
Discover the craftsmanship and passion behind Taconic Distillery's Founder's Rye Whiskey—an exemplary nod to America's rich whiskey traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Taconic Distillery Founder's Rye Whiskey unique?
Founder's Rye Whiskey is crafted with a high rye content and aged in virgin American white oak barrels, creating a bold and spicy flavor profile with a mildly sweet finish. It is further enhanced by the use of mineral-rich, artisanal spring water from the distillery's farm, ensuring an exceptionally smooth whiskey.
What is the mashbill for Founder's Rye Whiskey?
The mashbill consists of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, emphasizing its bold, spicy rye characteristics with subtle herbal and sweet notes.
How long is Founder's Rye Whiskey aged?
This whiskey is aged for a minimum of six years to develop its rich flavors and golden caramel color.
What is the proof and alcohol content of Founder's Rye Whiskey?
Founder's Rye Whiskey is bottled at 90 proof, which is equivalent to 45% alcohol by volume (ABV).
How should I enjoy Founder's Rye Whiskey?
Founder's Rye Whiskey is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails. Its smooth yet bold flavor makes it particularly well-suited for both sipping and mixing.
What awards has Founder's Rye Whiskey received?
Founder's Rye Whiskey has been rated 90.5 by *Jim Murray's Whisky Bible*, a prestigious recognition in the whiskey industry.
Is Taconic Founder's Rye Whiskey made with local ingredients?
Yes, Taconic Distillery uses locally-sourced New York grains as part of its commitment to supporting the Hudson Valley's agricultural heritage.
What are the tasting notes for Founder's Rye Whiskey?
This rye whiskey delivers a robust profile with bold spices complemented by subtle sweetness and hints of caramel, making it smooth yet flavorful to the palate.
Can I visit Taconic Distillery for tastings?
Yes, Taconic Distillery offers a tasting room and a patio overlooking the scenic Dutchess County farmland, where visitors can try their range of products, including Founder's Rye Whiskey.
What makes rye whiskey different from other types of whiskey?
Rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye in its mashbill, giving it a spicier and more complex flavor compared to bourbon, which is sweeter due to its higher corn content.
