American

J. Rieger & Co. Monogram Whiskey

J. Rieger & Co.'s 2025 Monogram Solera Reserve showcases the distillery's unique fractional blending technique with century-old casks, delivering sophisticated flavors of dark cherries, cigar smoke, and warm chocolate.

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Tasting Notes

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J. Rieger & Co. releases its most coveted expression with the 2025 Monogram Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve. The limited-edition release showcases the distillery’s unique Solera aging process and partnership with Spain’s historic Williams & Humbert Sherry house.

The 2025 Monogram Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve release will be available at select bars and retail locations throughout Missouri and Kansas, with allocated quantities reaching other major distribution networks.

The “Monogram” name carries deep significance for J. Rieger & Co., representing the brand’s most prized pre-Prohibition whiskeys. The 2025 edition honors this heritage with packaging that features “1887,” commemorating the distillery’s founding year. True to tradition, the distillery releases exactly 1,887 bottles annually, making each release highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

The distillery’s Solera method sets it apart in American whiskey production. This centuries-old fractional blending technique continuously replenishes each barrel with younger whiskey over many years, creating an ever-evolving blend. The expanded Solera system now includes ten casks, each aged between 50 and 100 years.

J. Rieger & Co.’s relationship with Williams & Humbert began with the distillery’s founding in 2014. The partnership revived the pre-Prohibition tradition of “rectifying” whiskey with sherry by incorporating a trace amount of 15-year-old Oloroso Sherry into Kansas City Whiskey. In 2017, J. Rieger became the first U.S. distillery authorized to import sherry in bulk from Spain.
Appearance:
Mahogany
Nose:
Cherries jubilee, baked cinnamon pie crust, warm oak, green apples, cloaked in ripe peaches, and dark fruit compote.
Palate:
Light cigar smoke, bright red wine, dark molasses sugar, cigar box, and warm baking chocolate.
Finish:
Oily mouthfeel with a medium mouthfeel with a lasting taste of dark cherries and plums with hints of white sugar remaining on the tongue.
Comments:
This nose filled the room and left a beautiful warmth. This has a great depth of flavors with unique twist through the solera aging component. I really found myself enjoying this.

Monogram whiskey has a real hit-or-miss history with enthusiasts. Anecdotally I’ve heard some releases really hit the mark while others can leave you really wanting more. I found this to hit some really great notes. This is officially my first experience with the Monogram whiskey and I have a favorable opinion.

I think this is a great whiskey to keep on a back bar to pull out once initial cocktails are through. It will delight new and veteran drinkers alike. The profile is sophisticated while maintaining integrity and simplicity. There is something for most drinkers with this release.

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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