The Mennonite Father of Rye

Step aside, mainstream whiskies, because the A.Overholt Monongahela Mash Rye dares to challenge the status quo with a fiery kick and an unapologetic rye stance. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a full-blown rebellion in a bottle, rousing your taste buds with its audacious flavor profile. Forget what you know about smooth sips—this rye isn’t here to coddle. It’s here to deliver a daring mash bill that commands attention and respect.

Style: Rye Whiskey

Sold by: Overholt Distillery

Made by: Jim Beam

Alcohol Content: 47.5% (Proof 95)

Color: Dark Golden

Price: $40

Such an interesting bottle with a unique cap resembling a screw cap that is, in reality, a cork. It is the Overholt brand, an iconic American whiskey with origins near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over a century ago, it was considered the premier whiskey in the United States. Presently, it is under the ownership of Jim Beam and produced in Kentucky. Notably, the rye used in the whiskey is still grown in western Pennsylvania.

Nose: Rich, complex aroma with predominant notes of buttery molasses, baking spice, and hints of fruit like pear or apricot. Subtle undertones of vanilla and a faint presence of mint add depth. The overall impression suggests a bold, challenging character.

Taste: My first comparison is a similarity to a rare 114-year-old Monongahela Rye I once sampled. This is tough to nail down. The profile includes rye bread with an earthy taste, resembling dirt, along with hints of turkey syrup, licorice, and black tea. It is very hard to relate this experience to others due to its uniqueness. If you think you like rye, you should try this, it might boost your testosterone levels. I believe that rye enthusiasts will greatly appreciate this.

By the fifth sip it has evolved, likening it to the earthy and vegetal aroma released from a pile of leaves that has been left to compost after multiple rainfalls. There is also a distinctive licorice flavor becoming more prominent.

Finish: Grain, lemon rind, molasses. The finish is as hard to describe as the rest of this.

Final Thoughts:

Overholt holds an important place in American whiskey history. Thankfully, Jim Beam kept this tradition going and stayed true to its original character. This bottle is special, and for the price, it’s worth having in your collection.

Overall: 78/100 

100 Excellent - definitely worth purchasing!
90 Top-notch - highly recommended!
80 Great - you'll enjoy this one.
70 Good - well worth trying.
60 Decent - a solid choice.
50 Average - not the best, but not the worst.
40 So-so - better used in cocktails.
Below 30 Poor - best to avoid buying this one.