ralfy review 801- Pikesville 6yo Straight Rye

If you like my content you can buy me a 'wee dram' at / ralfy , thanks !
For more whisky info & stuff, SUBSCRIBE to 'ralfydotcom'
Subscribe to my other KZbin Channel 'Fitter Philosophy'
This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
To comply with Google Adsense policy this video is an independent non-profit review and is not selling or linking to a site that sells the product being reviewed.

[@Herculesbiggercousin]

As an American I feel deeply obligated to say thank you for such kind words about one of our spirits. Take care good sir.

[@scottclarke1350]

Sitting with a "drinks by the dram" sample of this tonight. Absolutely blown away by it. It feels like it's settled really well, it doesn't have that awkwardness that I sometimes get with younger rye's. I really love rye when it's done well and this one hits the spot hard, looking forward to spending some more time with it in the future. I really enjoy that baking spices note rounded out by the toffee/honey richness of the cask. Great review ralfy!

[@WhiskeyNovice]

Great video Ralfy, as always. I find that, in stepping away from Scotch and Irish whiskey from time to time, and dipping my toe back into bourbons and ryes, that I'm finding much more complexity in those spirits. It also goes both ways by opening my senses up to new experiences which transfer back and show up in the Scotch and Irish offerings. All good stuff. Cheers.

[@carsandwhisky2002]

Just bought and tasted this for the first time yesterday. What a bargain it is. One of the best ryes I’ve had! $55 here in Miami this is going into my top 10 affordable whiskies rotation….

[@loungeisalivecigars]

This is the perfect Rye review and education. Thank you!

[@kamenovkamen]

Thank you for the review! You seem inspired by the quality of the spirit, it’s excellent.

[@samwise1790]

I'll look out for this stuff. My go to lately has been Corsair triple smoke, Taos Lightning rye, and even found for economical drinking that Jack Daniels rye is much more palatable than the black label jack. My journey to American whisky has been that for whatever reason I found that over time my drinking beer before bed results in terrible sleep and hangover the next day even if just having 3 or 4 beers over a couple hours. I drink most when doing field work as a geologist in the southwest US. I've found that I have no or little ill effects from spirits, and I need to hike all day so that is great. Additionally, there is something so sublime about drinking a nice spicy rye whisky or bourbon in the desert around a pinion campfire.

[@thuffman44]

How wonderful! I was just thinking of getting a Rye to add to my collection for a change. This is easily available locally to me; So, I will most certainly be on the lookout. Thank you very kindly Ralfy!! Can't wait to listen to the 801 extra content.

[@Walker-ld3dn]

Fabulous stuff. My go-to Rye for years. Great video.

[@stephenpartain5488]

Love every review. The man was made to do this

[@carlabernethy2607]

Great review Ralfy. Thanks, one of my favourite Ryes too. Reminds me there's a space on my shelf waiting for it.

[@djbeacon1942]

Ralfy, nice to see you review a rye. This one was already on my list and about $50 to 55 around South Carolina. Also looking for the Willett Family Estate 4 year Rye. My favorite so far is the High West Double Rye and only $30 to 35. Cheers!

[@stormswrath565]

What an epic review. I have a bottle of Pikesville that I have yet to pop the cork on. I will do so this weekend. I love peaty scotch and I love ryes. Look forward to tasting this soon.

[@tomassali8870]

I was just looking for rumternative and picked Pikesville to try after I’ve done my homework. Happy to see that you reviewed the stuff and very pleased with results 🙂

[@jamesnorwood4084]

Very informative. I've learned a lot from your presentation on rye whiskey. A good schooling! Thank you very much. I hope to be back in your class very soon.

[@user-rp5lx7zd3q]

Great and informative review. Ralfy knows his spirits. Good to see a Scotch drinker appreciate a rye. Pikesville is my favorite drink both straight and in an Old Fashioned.

[@ericgustin7079]

My favorite whiskey channel!! Thank you for the great reviews!!

[@dleeandhow]

Probably one of the best expressions of rye in the US. High West also creates magic with some of their rye bottling. Well reviewed!

[@BubbaSteamroller]

Glad to see a Rye review. I enjoy Pikesville straight or in a Manhattan.

[@johnnie2638]

Bulleit Rye is a good, spicy rye. Old Overholt is priced very low & is a good place to start in my estimation because it's a softer, fruitier rye with a mild spice on the finish & not overwhelming to the novice. I've never tried Pikesville. I'm looking for a rye with more punch so this might be my next one. Thanks Ralfy!

[@andyb9664]

Have you got around to it since?

[@brittonkimler2229]

I come for the whiskey. I stay for the sidebar philosophy. Thanks for brightening my day. (Toasting you with a classic Lagavulin 16 from America while you enjoy one of my favorite ryes).

[@samniebylski9058]

Another great review ralfy keep up the good work 👍

[@aguy1075]

Informative review - this is a wonderful and unique addition to any collection and an excellent value.

[@great207]

I found this rye yesterday at a local store. It is really good. Thanks for the review!

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I’ve seen Pikesville on the shelf hundreds of times, but never gave it a second glance until watching this video. For $43, I figured it was worth the try, even though I’m not a huge rye fan. I’m on my third bottle now, in as many months. It a great rye for the person who doesn’t consider themselves a rye fan, if that makes any sense.

[@skraegorn7317]

I just bought a sampler of this a few days ago from the Heaven Hill distillery a few days ago. Excited to try it after hearing your review.

[@stevefromchicago8277]

After searching for 2+ years finally found a bottle for $50 today. Then I came here and feel like I just went back to the college course I wish I had, Spirits 101. That is an exam I would have enjoyed with you as professor. Great review, might not be able to wait until the weekend to open it now

[@macallanfinerare2552]

It was so great to meet you in person at the Glasgow Whisky Festival AND at the Bon Accord afterwards, thank you for being there, Ralfy! I started reading your book last night and as you said, I did find quite some spelling and formatting errors in it but that´s what makes the first edition special! Now I can´t put your book away anymore, it is so much fun to read!

[@WhiskyMystery]

Those are not spelling errors it is the 'Clicker Ghost' having some fun.

[@macallanfinerare2552]

@@WhiskyMystery Nice bridge there, Phil!!! :-)

[@aukemist]

Ralfie reviewed Pikesville! 🤯🥳 geeking out!

[@seckler17]

Pikesville is great, one of my favorite go to Rye's for sipping and readily available for about $45-50 US.

[@davidhartz8902]

Tried a straight rye for the first time just yesterday. It was a good quality rye from a boutique distillery in Pittsburgh, but although I trust Ralfy on all things Whisk[e]y, the most dominant flavor I got was house paint. I'm sticking with single malt whisky.

[@richardbakermcelroy3456]

Nice to see such a high mark given to a whiskey that originated in my home state of Maryland!

[@BakiSmaki27]

This sounds amazing. Putting it on my wish list.

[@mark5ization]

"A change is as good as a rest" - probably my favorite Ralfyism!

[@Snolder]

Just got this for Christmas to share with the family. Cannot wait to taste it.

[@billyhughes9776]

Great review Ralfy -- this is one of my favorite ryes -- if you're ever able to get your hands on a bottle Willett Family Estate 3yo Rye do it -- probably my favorite rye of all time. Amazing stuff.

[@clintondeabreu8565]

I enjoy supporting the underdog, that’s what Rye is in the whiskey world, real rye (US regulated) all but despaired from the scene due to prohibition & here it is making a come back.

[@andyb9664]

That clicker cracks me up every time 😃 Amazing review as always! 🥳

[@charlescalvert8647]

Originally a Maryland rye, its been run out of our state by tax mongers. Maryland was the premier rye region prior to prohibition. My family came from Scotland to Maryland in the 1680s and 90s. We always enjoyed our rye here, I live minutes away from where this was originally made and where my ancestors thrived in this colony as landowners and tobacco farmers. So happy you reviewed it but wish it was still made here in Maryland. We still do love the Pikesville, however. There is a popular but fake Maryland rye on the high end market now, it's not made, produced in Maryland and uses no Maryland grain. Quite sad!

[@justinafuchs2619]

@charlescalvert8647 Well, now I have to ask which Rye you’re talking about? I hope it’s not Sagamore, I love their stuff. And as far I know, they started using MGP but now they’re distilling their own Rye.

[@charlescalvert8647]

@justinafuchs2619 The Original Pikesville rye was an all Maryland made, 97% rye since the 1800s, the Heaven Hill Pikesville Rye is exceptional, but its a barely legal rye made in Kentucky now. They purchased the brand some years ago. Sagamore does source all their whiskey except ONE. The Sagamore Bottled in Bond is an all Maryland distilled, barreled and aged rye whiskey and does resemble more than any other old Maryland style rye whiskey.

[@justinafuchs2619]

@@charlescalvert8647 Thank you for your informative reply. So only the BiB is an “all Maryland distilled”, I didn’t know that. May I ask you what do you think of the other Sagamore Rye whiskies in terms of quality and in terms of being “Maryland Rye whiskies”, the Cask Strength, the Double Oak and especially the Sherry- and Port-finished versions?

[@charlescalvert8647]

@justinafuchs2619 I miss the real Maryland rye, especially the original Pikesville rye. Nothing comes close, except that Sagamore Bottled in Bond, yes its their only all Maryland whiskey. The others are shipped in by the barrel and just bottled here. I typically like MGP traditional flavor profile whiskey, Sagamore is quite nice. However, I don't like any infused, finished or double oaked Bourbons. They may be nice whiskey, but I don't feel for my enjoyment they are good Bourbons or ryes. I'm in Maryland, grew up with 97% or 100% ryes, traditional flavor profiles that Maryland was famous for. The "new" Pikesville rye is excellent, but not authentic. The Sagamore Bottled in Bond recently released is a 6 year old, previous bottling were 5 and 4 year. If you like good, full bodied traditional rye I'd recommend it.

[@justinafuchs2619]

@@charlescalvert8647 Again, thank you so much. And I feel you, I’m very fond of true, regional products. And to be honest, I’m disappointed to hear even the barrels are shipped to Sagamore, I really thought they were aging the MGP spirit in Maryland. I haven’t been able to get my hands on the 6 year old Sagamore here in Germany, but I will keep trying. I really do like the Pikesville Rye. Finally, is there a real, good Maryland Rye I could try nowadays?

[@WhiskeyQuests]

This was the first Rye to impress me. A wonderful dram. Cheers

[@DeerHunter308]

I cheered when you gave it a 91. I was saying to myself 90. Great video from the dean of whiskey.

[@thewhiskyscout1238]

I totally agree complacency can lead to boredom and lack of interest in some cases.

[@astcal]

awesome review!

[@MSPatterson]

Always a pleasure to see rye get its due. It is one of my favorites, and I am glad it's having something of a revival in the US. Some 15 or so years ago now, I had the pleasure of getting to purchase some bottles of barrel strength, single barrel Willett from the old rickhouse while the distillery itself was shuttered and in limbo. The local liquor store (a rather successful affair) drove down and picked out individual barrels and had them bottled. I paid perhaps $55 for a 12 year-old rye that was truly spectacular, and a similar price for an excellent 15 year-old bourbon. I imagine most of that stock is gone now, and I shudder to think what such a bottling would cost these days.

[@kylearmstrong2340]

Knob creek rye is also excellent, especially if you can get a hold of the 9 year cask strength version. Michter's makes a mean rye as well

[@rubenpando1480]

This man right hit’s right on I love the way u break it down mate

[@rayraymond2952]

Ralfy, Thanks, for covering American Whiskeys. --- [1] Heaven Hill is such a great distiller, with many excellent whiskey brands. We here in the USA & in the New Orleans area have most easy access to so many great American Whiskeys at great prices. --- [2] Also, we have some few vendors (Martin Wine Cellar, especially) who have wonderful comparison whiskey/distilled spirits tastings (American, Scotch, Irish, even Welsh whiskys; tequila/mescal, brandies/cognac, even sake) at moderate prices. These tastings are wonderful & useful learning tools, & total blasts of fun. --- [3] Also, here in New Orleans, there will be the New Orleans Bourbon Festival, March 11-14, 2020. In the modern days of now, life is sooo good (if quite a bit hot & humid in the long, interminable summer) here in New Orleans.

[@guyvanburen]

a change is as good as a rest, so true

[@gordonbrown5901]

I just came across this review. I've been watching your other reviews with great satisfaction. I'd like to recommend a rye called Old Potrero, 'distilled, aged and bottled by Hotaling & Co., from 100% rye malt. 48.5% All/vol. Aged a minimum of 4 years, 6 months'. Not a lot of bite but a very rich flavor. Keep up the great work, you're a staple for a lot of KZbin viewers.

[@WatfordWobble]

A great review. I learnt an awful lot which is always a good thing.

[@scottjeffery6089]

Pikesville is fantastic stuff for a reasonable price! One of the better and more available ryes that very easily beats out similar quality Single Malts for a far lower price in the states.

[@gregmartin1757]

Nice review. Pikesville is a very good rye .i am mainly a bourbon drinker but occasionally i change it up when i want to sip on a rye it's usually pikesville or Willett.

[@willosee]

Have been lucky to get Pikes downunder and have really enjoyed them.

[@scottyblog]

Bravo Heaven Hill. You get a lot for the price. This rye drinks more than twice the price in terms of outstanding value. I’d love to try this at say 10 years old.

[@rustyshackelford4503]

Fantastic rye. Got a bottle as a Christmas gift a few years back and really loved it. I’ve adopted your importance placed on transparent labeling and nowadays generally will only purchase whiskey which is cask/barrell strength and un-chill filtered. Unfortunately with bourbon and rye you don’t get age statements near as often as with scotch.

[@alansmithee4895]

I saw this in my local liquor store yesterday and then I saw this video today so I think you have sold me a bottle. 😁🥃 Ralfy I highly suggest you you get ahold of some High West "Rendezvous Rye" if you have not already.

[@Zephon9]

Speaking of good American ryes, it's nice to see distilleries like Coppersea [NY] employing "heritage methods" in their production to hone in on the vintage craft of it, at the cost of some of their 'productivity margins.'

[@dougdavey9782]

Heaven Hill is kind of a “distillery central”. A lot of people bottle their juice. One of my favorite bourbons is Old Ezra 7yo, and it’s HH juice (I’m pretty sure).

[@Jeremy0459]

Man, Zaphod Beeblebrox is a malt mate? Ralfy is really getting out into the intergalactic market.

[@Hendrikjandespeelman]

Plenty of Scots and Kentucky Gargle Blasters to choose from down here... It doesn't have to be Old No 42 from Betelgeuse V.

[@alanwilkin8869]

Do ah pan galactic gargle blaster review ralphy,

[@maxrichardson4922]

I got a bottle based on your review I’ve tried it neat and in an old fashioned and I have to say this whiskey is excellent, I’ve never really dipped my toe in rye whiskey before aside from Rittenhouse bib and Woodford Reserve rye, but I might have been converted as I’m quite familiar with bourbon and in general I do enjoy American whiskey.

[@GrimTactics]

Pikesville is my go to rye. I’ve had the more expensive Whistlepig rye’s, some of the older Canadian rye, and other craft rye and always keep Pikesville on hand. I’ve had more of my bourbon friends enjoy it over others. If any of you are interested I suggest you get a bottle and see what you think.

[@bernardmulligan5504]

Really excited to see you reviewing a rye. I live on the Mason-Dixon line right on the eastern border of Maryland and Pennsylvania (rye country). If you're open to suggestions I prefer a rye made not too far from here in Pennsylvania. Dad's Hat (Distilled and Botted by Mountain Laurel Spirits, LLC in Bristol PA). If you can get it it's worth a try in my opinion.

[@averythingwhiskey1585]

Dad's Hat surprised me with its quality, tasty traditional PA rye indeed!

[@richardbostan4286]

Yeah, Dad's Hat doesn't use any corn in their ryes. When you buy a rye made in Kentucky, there's always going to be plenty of corn in the mashbill even if the majority is rye grain.

[@danswank3378]

old Overholt is another great Pennsylvania Rye. Jack quin rock and rye was a. Great shooter with beer. Just sayin....

[@richardbostan4286]

@@danswank3378 Old Overholt WAS a Pennsylvania rye long ago, but for decades it has been made in Kentucky by Jim Beam. Jim Beam bought the brand name.

[@kaiserhog]

@@richardbostan4286 Old Overholt Bottled in Bond is good.

[@markevans1973]

great review

[@romainz1963]

Absolutely a fantastic whiskey!!! I bought it here at a local liquor store (Belgium).

[@scotchgod8478]

What a coincidence, I just happen to have a sample of this in the house. Lucky me :)

[@ericgilbert8114]

There's been many brilliant rye whiskies the last few years and of course most are sourced from Alberta Distillers and MGP. For a style of whiskey that was still non existent till ten years ago, it has made a major comeback in North America, even with some regional styles being re born.

[@drgallup]

Love the HHGTTG reference! Nice review but I do want to point out that to qualify as Rye in the US, it only has to be 51% rye in the mash bill and that's exactly what Pikesville is. So it's a barely legal rye with a lot of corn and a bit of barley. Not to take away from your excellent review and I LOVE this rye but it's not as spicy as some other rye's that have up to 95% rye in the mash bill. The mash bill is only one thing that determines the final product and perhaps not even the most important. Cheers!

[@francescoalbanese9215]

I love rye! There is quite a variety of rye, from the various American styles (Pennsylvania, ect) to the Canadian styles (Alberta eyes are totally different from Ontario ryes)

[@benlocker4493]

Thanks for reviewing this one Ralfy, I really enjoy pikesville. I would love to see you review whistle pig rye if you haven't yet.

[@jeffharper410]

I also like 2 other Rye's Redemption and Old Forester, both are different mash Bill's from Pikesville but all 3 are great tasting leget rye whiskeys.

[@johnjayjay]

While this is really good straight, it makes a FANTASTIC Manhattan. It’s all I use for that cocktail. Delicious.

[@thewhiskeydaily7447]

That Pikesville is a hell of a rye! Cheers 🥃

[@edr777]

I enjoy rye whiskey and I can't wait to try this one. May have to make a fresh loaf of pure rye bread to go with it. :)

[@afahy]

The clicker ghost is back!

[@andyye7858]

Sounds great but it costs 110 pounds where I live.. i think i will stick to my Arrans and Springbanks lol

[@brentkasl6510]

Toured Templeton Rye in Templeton Iowa USA today, not real familiar with rye but the tour was top notch, enjoyed the 6 year over the 4 year. Had to ask about chill filtering and color additives. The answer to both was no with an inquisitive look from tour guide. Made me wonder why it is so prevalent with Scotch whisky?

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Remember a few years ago you reviewed this Rye's little brother Rittenhouse bottled in bond. I also remember you blending it with Eagle Rare bourbon and that was a trick I used with great success on other bourbons to pick up the flavor of something a bit to soft on flavors. Cheers

[@onegunred]

when ever I want to rediscover a bourbon or rye (and I love rye) I have a small pour of an islay (Lagavulin,ardbeg) and wait a few minutes after I've drank it and have a pour of said bourbon or rye and sit back in amazement at the flavor.

[@GamingJava101]

Will pick up a bottle!

[@dingdingding4033]

Rye is my favorite, hands down.. I just don't know what it is.. its nostalgic for me, but I don't know why.. I believe my grandfather's favorite cocktail at the end of a long day was a nice rye...

[@bayoudrams7771]

If you have not already, I highly recommend trying Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It is delicious and checks all of the boxes (has a 12 year age statement, is non-chill filtered, is cask strength, distilled by Heaven Hill).

[@WUBRGer_King]

If you like non chill filtered spirits and transparency about what's in them, check out High West's offerings. The Double Rye in particular is incredibly tasty and fairly unique in my limited experience with them. They source their whiskey as well as distilling their own but they're up front about being blenders rather than a lot of craft whiskey producers in the US that hide their sourced bourbon or rye behind a phony marketing story.

[@williamchristy3263]

Half transparent. They carry on about their distillery, but the huge majority is sourced. Yes, they will in some places admit this in the very small print, but. . . Even the name "High West" suggests a terroir that is simply not theirs. It is neither "high", nor "west", but flatland, industrial Indiana whiskey.

[@alansmithee4895]

Rendezvous Rye is much better than the Double Rye and probably on par with Pikesville

[@alansmithee4895]

@@williamchristy3263 Barton, also...

[@WUBRGer_King]

​@@williamchristy3263 I don't think they put all this info on the bottle but they're pretty transparent that they're sourcers and blenders first in interviews or articles I've read. For the Double Rye in particular I know they only started adding their own distillate because it was getting harder to get the 16-year-old Barton rye they were using for it.

[@WUBRGer_King]

​@@alansmithee4895 I've heard that but it's also twice the price so it's a bit harder for me to pull the trigger on it. One day...

[@fiddler4035]

If you ever find a bottle Willett Family Estate 4 yr CS you should pick it up, it's another rye similar to this that is extremely good quality. I don't think they have the same level of disclosure on the bottle but I believe it is distilled at their own distillery.

[@Monkles9000]

Who would ever give a Ralfy video a thumbs down? Dolts...

[@johng5710]

I'd love to see Ralfy review the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923

[@alyr9640]

Happy Malty Monday Dear Sir! This is on the Christmas gift list for the husband! His daily sipper is Rittenhouse. Have heard only good things about Pikesville. Hope it doesn’t sell out now that it’s been Ralfy recommended! 😉. See you tomorrow for the extras.

[@RaindanceBushcraft]

Have you tried the Lot 40 rye, Ralfy? Is it available over there?

[@AlsatianFever]

Amen brother

[@alanlapan7713]

That's great Ralfy , your clicker gets me , lol

[@slappy8941]

_If_ you want to drink your rye straight? Is there another way?

[@GenerationX-GenX]

Love Rye. Love Rittenhouse and I Love the Pikesville when I want to live it up.

[@McSnacks930]

FEW rye is also great but Pikesville is a great Rye and Maryland Rye at that

[@clintondeabreu8565]

Apparently rye is one of the most difficult grains to work with in distillation, not sure if this is to do with the flavour notes or the actual process.

[@isacv2182]

A fair mark for a fine Rye. A thrill (without shrill) for Isla Peated and bolder whisk(e)y lovers.

[@simonsherratt1484]

Just got me a Kilkerran 8 year old cask strength for £50. I'd love to try the Pikesville but the cheapest I can find it is £72!

[@greggcollins4215]

In Americamese that would be about 1/4 tsp of water. The first whiskey I bought years ago was Jim Beam Straight Rye. Still like it. I use just a smidge in my Chili to bring out the flavor of the tomatoes.

[@kirbyculp3449]

Gregg Collins A shot of rye whiskey also enhances the flavor of Jaegersahne for Jaegerschnitzle.

[@greggcollins4215]

@@kirbyculp3449 The big mistake people make with Chili is putting beer in it. Too much liquid for me. I like a thick chili. Also it is a waste of good beer.

[@richardkilley6838]

It would have to be good considering the price they are asking for it?

[@joeclayton6431]

Would you be able to review Pearce Lyons As a new craft distillery in Dublin?

[@ralfydotcom]

. . . at some point I may buy their whiskey !

[@degmar]

2:50 - in the US, if it's rye, straight or otherwise, it's not mixed with other spirits. In Canada, they play a little more loose with the definition and usage of the word rye, and what you said is true.

[@richardbostan4286]

I'm Canadian. It is true that under Canadian law "rye whisky" does not have to have been made with any rye at all, because for historical reasons in Canada "rye" became a synonym for "whisky."

[@Justaguyinnc]

While one of the best Rye whiskey's straight.. smooth.. those in the Southern States of America will understand, this makes the best Southern Old Fashion.. which is just Southern Sweet tea and Whiskey... bourbon or Rye.. it would be hard to beat it.. but please try it straight as well.. I like Ralfy's reviews.. of course I am 1/2 a bottle into Pikesville Rye at the moment, while typing this... 50 American bucks well spent.. Cheers!!

[@robocop1441]

i wanna see that 15 year old talisker special edition