Pikesville Straight Rye Named Number Two World Whiskey in 2016 Whisky Bible

Only five months after the introduction of the ultra-premium offering, Heaven Hill Distillery’s historic Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey is rounding out the year on top as Jim Murray’s number two-rated whiskey in the world in the esteemed Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016, a true honor, as the whiskeys included were drawn from all styles and regions.

Pikesville also walked away with “Rye of the Year” and previously earned spirits industry acclaim winning a Double Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 95 Points at F. Paul Pacult’s Ultimate Spirits Challenge. At 6 years old and 110 proof, this new expression of Pikesville Rye is produced at Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky. and aged in its premier rickhouses in Bardstown, Ky. The product is available with allocated national distribution.

Heaven Hill now produces four times as much rye than it did just a few years ago, a true testament to the revival of Rye Whiskey. Distilled from at least 51 percent rye, with corn and malted barley as the “small” grains, Pikeville Rye embraces the tradition of American Straight Rye Whiskey. On the palate, Pikesville Rye is dry and spicy, with hints of honeyed rye and cloves. Soft vanilla and baking spices round out the finish.

“Heaven Hill reclaimed the past with Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey. Pikesville is a brand with a storied history and one that we are proud to revamp and offer as an ultra-premium offering. We are excited that Pikesville is recognized as one of the leading brands worldwide.”
– Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Distillery, and second-generation family member

Pikesville Rye Whiskey

Now in its thirteenth annual edition, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible releases the top five world whiskeys among more than the 4,500 labels listed with detailed tasting notes in the book. Murray, an internationally recognized leading commentator on whiskeys, tasted more than 1,000 whiskeys before awarding his top five.

“Pikesville Rye embodies the history of American Straight Rye Whiskey and hones in on the traditional taste that consumers are embracing once again. The hand-selected barrels showcase the best product out of over a million barrels aging in our inventory.”
– Denny Potter, Heaven Hill Distillery Co-Master Distiller

With its Maryland roots dating back to 1895, Pikesville Rye returned after Prohibition, surviving ownership changes and the decline of the Maryland Rye whiskey industry. With Maryland production coming to a close in the 1980s, Pikesville Rye was kept alive by Heaven Hill Distillery, which has produced the spirit in Kentucky ever since.

Mix up a few of these Pikesville Rye Whiskey cocktails, created by Jim Kearns, co-owner of Slowly Shirley in New York City.

Room Temperature Manhattan

Room Temperature Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Pikesville Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz. Carpano Antica
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 3/4 oz. Water

Old-Fashioned

Old-Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Pikesville Rye Whiskey
• 1/4 oz. Demerara Syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura
• 2 dashes Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Bitters

Preparation: Stir and strain on a large rock. Garnish with an orange twist and a lemon twist.

Boulevardier

Boulevardier

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Pikesville Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz. Campari
• 1 oz. Carpano Antica

Preparation: Stir and strain on a large rock with an orange twist.