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Whiskey Review: American Woman Special Release Straight Rye

We review American Woman Special Release Straight Rye, a 95% rye/5% malted barley mash bill that's been bottled at 102 proof and aged over three years.

OVERALL RATING

8
$60.00
  • Moriah Hilden is a whiskey enthusiast and the first American to complete the Whisky Trek in Appenzell.
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American Woman Special Release Straight Rye review

Tasting Notes

About:

102 proof; aged 3.5 years; mash bill: 95% Rye + 5% Malted Barley; around $60 for a 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
Incredibly similar in color to the American Woman Straight Bourbon. Loving that sherry corn color, maybe just the slightest bit darker but probably not worth mentioning it. It’s also funny when observing for legs, only on half of the glass did thick legs frolic while on the other side of the glass, they hide.
Nose:
Big yes to the classic rye characteristics of medicinal spice. Need to ease in and out from the glass opening with this one. Ginger candy on the forefront. Through the tickling burn, a peach cobbler takes over the senses with heavy notes of cinnamon and orange zest. Even more so than the bourbon, to round off the nose, there is a crunchy salty pretzel rod dipped in caramel and drizzled with dark chocolate.
Palate:
A fancy dark cherry you just dug out at the bottom of a rye Manhattan, soaked in all its glory, burst with these flavors. More dark fruit like dates and figs stick around too. Lastly, a ginger forward chai with zested cinnamon on top is in the finish. The initial mouthfeel was spikey, dried out the tongue, and really warmed my chest on the way down. But sitting awhile longer with it, the spikey tingly sensation sticks around but it mellows quickly for you to capture and experience the fun spices in this straight rye.
Finish:
Comments:
A special release and their only rye available to date, this straight rye is punchy but easy to forgive when it rounds off with a bouquet of flowers. This stands tall alongside other rye favorites but doesn’t scare you off with the classic spicy presence. The long finish lets you know you are for sure sipping on a rye, but with the initial dance, one could easily mistaken this as a bourbon.rnrnAs much as I hate being tricked, I sure enjoyed this rye and will continue to imbibe it in my favorite way – neat.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Moriah Hilden

Moriah Hilden, Vice President of Women Who Whiskey Portland Chapter, holds the distinction of being the first American to complete the Whisky Trek in Appenzell, Switzerland. Her passion for whiskey ignited unexpectedly during a transformative experience in a micro bar nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. This encounter sparked an enduring curiosity for the artistry of whiskey, and the world of spirits continues to captivate her daily. Moriah's enthusiasm drives her to embark on extensive journeys—be it long drives, flights, or hikes—to savor and immerse herself in the diverse offerings of the spirits world.

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