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Whiskey Review: Hochstadter’s Family Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey

We review Hochstadter's Family Reserve Rye Straight Whiskey, a 16-year-old rye containing spirit sourced from Canada.

OVERALL RATING

8
$199.99
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Tasting Notes

About:

Bottled from 16-year rye whiskey aged in new charred oak barrels, Hochstadter’s Family Reserve Rye clocks in at 123.8 proof. As mentioned previously, this whiskey is sourced from Alberta Distillers Limited’s 100% rye grain stock. With a release of only 7,500 bottles, if you happen to find a bottle, Hochstadter’s Family Reserve Straight Rye carries a suggested retail price of $199.99.
Appearance:
In a glass, this rye appears a light copper brown. While aged 16 years, the cooler Canadian climate resulted in a slower aging cycle, which led to a lighter color than may be expected of a 16 year whiskey aged in a new charred oak barrel.
Nose:
Seasoned oak, clove, and light notes of mint dominate the nose, and a lighter cereal note appears underneath.
Palate:
On the front of the palate, baking spice notes of clove mingle with vanilla and oak. The baking spices carry over to the mid palate while the sweeter notes of vanilla and oak subside. Interestingly, a quick transition turns the sweeter notes to dark fruit notes, including a strong plum note that dominates the short and dry finish.
Finish:
Comments:
Overall, Hochstadter’s Family Reserve rye offers a solid drinking experience. As older rye whiskies become scarcer, Hochstadter’s Family Reserve rye presents an intriguing option at barrel strength and 16 years old. However, much like other high-priced Canadian-sourced rye whiskies, such as the similarly priced Whistle Pig 15-Year rye, the retail price of $200 may be a deterrent for many. rnrnWith all that in mind, if you’re a whiskey drinker willing to pay for a premium rye whiskey, Hochstadter’s Family Reserve easily competes with other similarly priced options.

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.

Jordan Morris

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