Wigle Monongahela Rye Single Barrel

Pittsburgh Distilling Company, LLC is a family owned and operated distillery which opened in 2012. Pittsburgh Distilling produces a variety of distilled spirit products. Wigle Rye revives the rye whiskey-making tradition which is local to Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, but which died during Prohibition. This style of rye whiskey has been called the Monongahela style, named after a river which runs through Pennsylvania. The Wigle brand is named after Philip Wigle, a man convicted of treason, sentenced to hang, and pardoned by George Washington in 1794 for his actions in the 1791-1794 Whiskey Rebellion, which took place in Western Pennsylvania. The reviewed bottle is of the Wigle Monongahela Organic Rye, bottled at 55% ABV. 55% ABV is probably near or at barrel strength, but it is not labeled barrel strength, and cannot be assumed to be completely undiluted. Standard Wigle Monongahela Organic Rye is sold at 42% ABV. The reviewed bottle is from single barrel number S 844 for Shawan Fine Liquors in the Baltimore area. There is no age statement, and because this whiskey is not labeled Straight Rye Whiskey, it may be under 2 years old. Wigle announces that they change their mashbills according to the properties of each batch of grain which they are using. Traditionally the Monongahela Style of Rye whiskey featured higher rye content than the minimum 51% or so currently used by most of the big American rye distillers.The reviewed bottle is owned by @Maddie, and has been open for 2 days

Nose: moderate intensity cinnamon/cassia, nutmeg, and black pepper from rye grain; a little dark fruit--black raspberries and currants--from rye grain. The wood influence is light. Very good sweet/dry balance. Water added bundles the flavours and raises the pitch, giving an attractive result. Score: 22/25

Taste: very strong flavours in the mouth. The black pepper is especially strong, and black licorice and hickory join in. The other nose flavours are also forcefully expressed in the mouth. Wood influence remains present but understated. Added water bundles the flavours and results in an intense presentation of sharp-edged spice. Score: 21.5/25

Finish: moderately long finish. Remains spicy, with or without water added. Score: 21/25

Balance: good balance throughout. Score: 21/25

Total Sequential Score: 85.5 points

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Strength: moderate in the nose, very strong in the mouth. Score: 23/25

Quality: good to very good quality of the flavours throughout. Score: 21.5/25

Variety: very adequate variety of flavours. Score: 21.5/25

Harmony: good harmony in all of the tasting phases. Score: 21/25

Total Non-Sequential Score: 87 points

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Comment: I've had standard 42% ABV Wigle Monongahela Organic Rye several times in the past, and I didn't like it much. This private single barrel near-barrel-strength offering at 55% ABV is a solid step up and something I do enjoy. My advice on Wigle products: taste before you buy