Pikesville Rye holds the title as the last standing Maryland rye brand. Originally produced in Maryland by L. Winand & Brothers Distillery starting in 1895, the brand went through several changes of ownership, and was last produced in Maryland in 1972 by the Majestic Distilling Corporation. After Majestic Distilling closed, there were still enough whiskey stocks available to keep the brand going until 1982 when it was sold to Heaven Hill. Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey was brought to market in 2015 and is currently produced at the Bernheim Distillery. Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey should not be confused with Heaven Hill’s Pikesville Supreme Rye Whiskey, which is currently marketed and sold as a three year old 80 proof rye whiskey in the Maryland market.

A nice mix of sweet and spicy. Cherry syrup, rye spice, red licorice and cinnamon apple float up from the glass. There’s a hint of ethanol present that reminds me this is 110 proof, however it doesn’t distract from the experience. Instead, all of the flavors co-mingle nicely and produce a very satisfying nose.