Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/597666
1 12 / the tasting panel / november 2015 CATEGORY REPORT Rye whiskies share a common heritage that is uniquely American. In fact, prior to Prohibition, they were our nation's whiskey of choice. They're spirits with broad shoulders and a lot of personal- ity, a character no doubt molded from our collective national self-image. Handcrafted Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey (SRP $39.99) is just such a spirit. The brand is made at the Grundy Mill Distillery in Bristol, PA, from a mash bill of locally sourced rye (80%), malted rye (5%) and malted barley (15%). The grain is milled, slowly fermented into a sweet mash and then twice distilled in a hybrid, copper pot still outfitted with a column. After the white whiskey exits the still, it is transferred into newly charred, American white oak quarter-casks for maturation. The whiskey is aged an average of eight-and-a-half months and bottled at 90 proof. Over that time, the whiskey develops a reddish/brown appear- ance, a satiny textured body and a generous bouquet of freshly ground pepper, cocoa, malt and baking spice. The aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. The entry is spicy warm as it fills the mouth with the flavors of cinnamon, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel and waves of malty sweetness. The whiskey lingers on the palate and then slowly fades away. "Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey is distilled in the 'Pennsylvania/Monongahela' style, which was so popular during the years leading up to Prohibition," says John Cooper, co-founder of Mountain Laurel Spirits. "We're really excited to see the number of people that are embracing the various styles and flavor profiles of rye whiskey. It is particularly exciting to see the interest in craft spir- its and the whiskey knowledge in the 21- to 35-year-old age group. It bodes well for the continued growth of American Whiskies." Following the successful launch of the brand's classic rye whiskey, the company launched two exceptional, wood-finished expressions. Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Vermouth Finish is without peer. After the rye whiskey has attained the desired flavor profile, it is removed from the quarter cask and transferred to oak barrels used previously to age Vya Sweet Vermouth from Quady Winery of Madera, CA. After three months, the 94-proof whiskey further acquires semisweet wine-like aromas and the added flavors of raisins, plums, caramel, toffee and dates. The fade is remarkably long and flavorful, which makes this an excellent whiskey to sip neat or serve with a solitary cube of ice. The range also includes Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Port Finish. In this case, the whiskey, 94 proof, is finished in barrels used to age Quady Port. The port adds decidedly fruity, spicy notes to the nose and irresistible, semisweet depth on the finish. MOUNTAIN LAUREL SPIRITS Rye Smiles: Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey