Rossville Union Hero Series Lt. Phil Bender (2020)
The Story
Bourbon/Rye/Whiskey is a working drink. It’s been that way in American for a while. The first European settlers were hard-drinking folks. Even the Puritans had a place for it. Thomas Jefferson made time to manufacture Rye Whiskey from his own land.
This Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey, is a hero series. On the back of the bottle, you can see the man is doing work. I received this bottle from a friend because I live in the southern edge of the Florence Fire protection district.
For our community, a bourbon or rye in remembrance of our local hero is fully deserved, makes us feel proud, and at the same time, sad that our community is continuing on without him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. And we thank him for all the work making our city a safe community.
Rossville Union Rye Whiskeys produce what is known as a “high rye” whiskey, routinely adding more than the 51% rye mash bill required by law to be classified as a rye whiskey. This particular bottle was a single barrel select by the Liquor Express “Heroes Reserve” 2020 series and is likely 4 to 5 years old. Those of us who aren't savages hold rye close to our hearts, as it's essential to the perfect mixed drink.
Tasting Notes
It’s an excellent example of a classic Rye Whiskey. It's fruit-forward with lots of cherry, rye, and charred American Oak in the initial taste and then finishes with a warm after burn. It’s an excellent rye. Adding an ice cube allows some additional notes to come out. It would be amazing in a mixed drink, but it's such a good rye I've been drinking it straight. It's really sweet at the front and complex in the after taste.
Those of us who aren't savages hold Rye close to our hearts, as it's essential to the perfect mixed drink.
I researched a few other reviews on this product and I really think people have missed the mark on this rye. It's scored as average, but it's a MOUTHWATERING expression that is on par with the very best. Granted my bottle is a single barrel, but I was so impressed with this rye that I started to wonder if some other bourbon reviews even taste what they are reviewing. I found myself planning my day around when I get to sit down with the good Lieutenant again. Hell, I salute the damn bottle every time I pour a drink.
This is a far cry from what others have said about Rossville Union Single Barrel. Is anyone willing to take a stand against prevailing bourbon blog opinions?
Yes, one man will make a stand, I'm scoring this as the best rye I've ever had. That score is not in step with others; I've made myself an outlier on this one. Maybe my palate isn't up to the task, but I gotta call them like I taste it, and I taste greatness.
I would walk 300 Kentucky Miles to find this Rye Whiskey (Fantastic, high quality rye)
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