Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky

AN AMERICAN SPIRIT Turn of the 19th Century While Bourbon is known as America's Native Spirit, there's another category of whiskey whose roots run deep: Rye Whiskey. The history of rye is tied to the decline of rum production. In the early nineteenth century, an embargo on trade with the French and British territories further hurt the already weakened rum market, and American whiskey was there to fill the gap. Scot-Irish immigrants who had settled around Maryland and Pennsylvania had brought barley and a knowledge of distillation with them. Since rye was the primary grain grown in the region, along with some corn, distillers in this area became the premiere producers of Rye Whiskey. Over time, two distinct styles developed. While Maryland-style ryes generally have a softer, grassy flavor, Pennsylvania-style ryes-sometimes referred to as Old Monongahela ryes-are known for their spicy, robust flavors. Both styles proliferated prior to Prohibition, with hundreds of distilleries operating in the region.

A CHOICE PENNSYLVANIA RYE Post-Prohibition In 1934, after the end of Prohibition, Rittenhouse Square Straight Rye Whisky was introduced by The Continental Distilling Corporation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Named after Philadelphias historic Rittenhouse Square, this 100 proof, 2-year-old Rye Whisky offered a rich, full-bodied and mellow profile. It quickly gained popularity as a "Choice Pennsylvania Rye. In 1948, after years of wartime shortages and production stoppages, The Continental Distilling Corporation dropped "Square" from Rittenhouse's name and reintroduced it as a 4-year-old Bottled-in-Bond.