Pikesville Straight Rye 110 Proof | Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Maryland, USA.
Type: Straight Rye Whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Not explicitly detailed, but as a straight rye, it implies a minimum aging period in new charred oak barrels.
Age Statement: Not specified, but the term "straight" suggests it is aged for at least two years.
Color and Clarity: Not described in detail.
Bottle Design: Mention of the bottle not being filled to the top due to variations in bottle size, indicating a focus on filling by height rather than volume to ensure consistency in appearance.

Balance of Flavors: A good balance between spiciness and sweetness, with a notable presence of both rye and bourbon characteristics.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky is described as having a spicy rye profile with the sweetness reminiscent of bourbon. It also has a chocolatey note, is quite oily, and carries a bit of dryness likely due to the high alcohol content.
Comparison: It's suggested that the flavor profile is more intense and less nuanced than a Scotch whisky, with two dominant flavors: spiciness and sweetness.

Survival through Prohibition: The whisky has a history that includes surviving the Prohibition era, indicating a long-standing presence in the whisky market.
Brand Obscurity: Despite its quality, Pikesville is not described as a very famous brand.

Maryland's Whisky Heritage: The whisky's Maryland origin is highlighted as significant, suggesting that it comes from a region with a long history of whisky production, dating back to the early colonial period in the United States.

"It's a good mixture between a rye whiskey and the bourbon flavors."
"It shows that you can make good whiskey even though you're not in the whiskey areas of the United States."
"It's a pretty mild rye whiskey... but actually a pretty intense one."

Pikesville Straight Rye is a Maryland-based straight rye whiskey with a 110 proof (55% ABV).
It has a balanced flavor profile that combines the spiciness of rye with the sweetness of bourbon, along with a chocolatey note.
The whiskey is described as oily, with a bit of dryness and a good balance between spiciness and sweetness.
It has a historical significance, having survived Prohibition, and represents Maryland's whisky heritage.
Despite its quality, Pikesville is not widely recognized as a famous brand.

Rye Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the spicy complexity of rye will enjoy Pikesville's intense flavor profile.
Bourbon Lovers Looking for Something Different: The sweetness and bourbon-like characteristics make it a good choice for bourbon drinkers seeking to explore rye whiskies.
Whisky Collectors: The historical significance and regional heritage of Pikesville make it an interesting addition to any collection.
High-Proof Whiskey Fans: The 110 proof offers a robust experience for those who prefer stronger whiskies.