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45th Parallel R100 Rye Whiskey Review

Can a whiskey made entirely from rye avoid the harsh, bitter trap most 100% ryes fall into? We explore 45th Parallel's bold R100 to find out.

OVERALL RATING

7
$59
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

In a statement on their website, 45th Parallel describes the R100 whiskey as the following: Where most rye whiskeys have two or three grains in the mash, this whiskey is made exclusively with rye. This accentuates all of the bold, spicy notes that rye drinkers love! Rye can be a temperamental grain to work with (in fact, we almost gave up on it at one point in our history) but it’s certainly worth the effort.

R100 is a rye whiskey from 45th Parallel, a Wisconsin-based distillery founded in 2007 by Paul Werni. R100 is only the second rye whiskey produced by 45th Parallel. Rye whiskey is increasingly popular among enthusiasts but can be intimidating to many novice consumers.
Appearance:
Amber with a cherry hue
Nose:
Light pipe smoke, pineapple, white sugar, cherry and dark raspberry marmalade with just a nice hint of spice.
Palate:
Rye pop of spice and sugar. Black pepper, with dried rye grains with a soft lemon zest overall.
Finish:
Dry, spring flowers, simple syrup with a short finish. There is a nice lingering note of dark chocolate on the back end.
Comments:
This is a fun and different rye that is not something many consumers will be ready for, but will absolutely enjoy if they give it an unbiased effort. 100% rye whiskey can be a lot of fun, but the problem with them is that often they come across harsh or bitter. This does a delicate dance with the robust flavor of rye and presents a unique exploration into the grain. I can’t say it’s for everyone, but for many it will be a great bottle.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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