J. Rieger & Co. has expanded its core whiskey lineup with the release of Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey, marking a significant milestone for the historic Kansas City distillery.
The new expression joins the distillery’s everyday premium collection alongside Rieger Kansas City Whiskey and Rieger Straight Bourbon, each aged a minimum of 4 years.
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“The debut of Rieger Straight Rye represents the culmination of ten years of work to create a collection of best-in-class whiskeys that are impeccably made, well-priced and always available,” says Andy Rieger, President of J. Rieger & Co. “With the introduction of Straight Rye we’ve added yet another style designed for everyday indulgence to complement our Kansas City Whiskey and Straight Bourbon bottlings. True to our origins as one of the country’s first family distilleries, we’re proud to offer reasonably priced, delicious whiskeys that stand the test of time.”
Unique Production Methods
The distillery employs distinctive production techniques, including sweet mash fermentation instead of the traditional sour mash process commonly used in American whiskey production. This method, utilizing fresh yeast for each batch, provides greater control over the spirit’s character.
Master Distiller Nathan Perry, trained by industry veterans Dave Pickerell and Tom Nichol, implements a two-step distillation process using both pot and column stills to enhance mouthfeel and texture. All whiskeys in the collection age for a minimum of four years in Kansas City.
Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey
The new straight rye features a bold 96% rye and 4% malted barley mashbill. The whiskey is made through Rieger’s sweet mash fermentation and two-step distillation process. It is then aged for at least four years in American white oak barrels. The spirit offers aromas of caramelized orange, fresh bread, and orange blossom, with flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, buttered popcorn, and spicy fruit jam.
Rieger Whiskey Collection
The release completes the Rieger Whiskey Collection, which has already garnered significant acclaim. The Kansas City Whiskey expression previously earned “Best American Whiskey” at the ASCOT Awards and a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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The collection’s packaging features bold labels and a pre-Prohibition bottle style, honoring the distillery’s heritage dating back to 1887 while embracing modern production methods. Each expression in the collection is offered in 750ml bottles.
The expanded lineup now includes the original Kansas City Whiskey blend, featuring a touch of 15-year-old oloroso sherry, the straight bourbon (56% corn, 30% rye, 14% malted barley) launched in fall 2024, and the new straight rye completing the collection.
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