Ultimate Beverage Challenge: Rye Whiskey

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) was founded in 2010 by award-winning author/critic/journalist/educator F. Paul Pacult, publishing executive and editor Sue Woodley, and consultant David Talbot. In 2013, editor/journalist Sean Ludford became a partner. For the past five years, UBC has operated Ultimate Wine Challenge (UWC) and Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), which are acknowledged as being as two of the world’s foremost annual international wine evaluation and competition events.

This issue we are featuring UBC’s 2015 top picks in the rye whiskey category, as evaluated in their most recent event.

Top Rye Whiskey

Chairman’s Trophy – Score: 97
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

64.6% ABV

Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
Deeply concentrated aromas of toasted grains, brown rice and molasses. Equally rich and deep in the mouth with layers of baked goods, cigar box and fresh herb flavors. On the finish, it is lightly spiced with dark caramel.

Finalist – Score: 95
Pikesville 6-year-old Straight Rye Whiskey

55% ABV

Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
Wonderfully delicate, with aromas of Boston cream pie, plantain, butternut squash and brown sugar. Spicy, with a buttery sweetness to match, and deep-baked, dark cherry flavored leading into a vanilla-tinged and spicy finish. Outstanding.

Finalist – Score: 94
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Rye Whiskey

50% ABV

Excellent, Highly Recommendation
Fresh and baked stone fruits characterize the aromas. In the mouth, it is spice laden and full of peach pie and brown sugar flavors, along with a distinct herbal quality that is long lasting after each sip.

Finalist – Score: 94
Sazerac Rye Whiskey

45% ABV

Excellent, Highly Recommendation
Interesting aromas of wheat and red berries. Decidedly savory and spiced in the mouth, the flavors develop into dark coffee and vanilla caramel after each sip. A fine grain texture is a nice balance of smooth and rustic.

Finalist – Score: 94
Woodford Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey

45.2% ABV

Excellent, Highly Recommendation
Coloring is pale bronze, burnt orange. Nose is fruity, spicy, nutty, minerally, sawdust-like, cedary/piney. Taste profile reflects the aromatic findings and adds nuances of dried apricot, fruitcake, roasted walnut flavors that work in unison with the attractive fragrance. Aftertaste is medium long, resiny/woody, cheese-like.