Bit of a late post on this one, I wrote notes for this head to head yesterday (Sunday, July 11th). I still like to write reviews by hand before transcribing them to digital text for some reason... Call me old fashioned, but it just has a different focus and flow to it. Anyway, I've been meaning to do this rye face-off for a little while. I love a budget bottle that can still hit the spot. Let's see if either of these fit that bill!
Pikesville
Company on Label: Heaven Hill
Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 35% Corn, 51% Rye, 14% Barley
Proof: 110°
Age: 6 years
Further identification: Unique "D" bottle shape, purchased early 2020
Sazerac
Company on Label: Buffalo Trace
Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed Buffalo Trace Rye Mash Bill
Proof: 90°
Age: NAS (~4 years)
Further identification: Purchased early 2020
Pikesville
Nose:
Citrus
Pepper
Allspice
Herbal funk
Vanilla
Robust Oak
Palate:
Herbal caramel
Dusty oak
Spicy mouth coating
Big lemon peel zest
Long linger
Layers, complexity & intensity
Touches of sour molasses
Yum!
Sazerac
Nose:
Apricot / green apple
Floral
Light / airy
Very light stone fruit
Touches of citrus & vanilla
Fresh sawn pine
Palate:
Syrupy, sweet
Fresh, juicy apple
Slight medicinal cherry
Light milk chocolate
Silky smooth, goes down easy with a light creamy linger
Final Ranking: Situational, see below!
I went into this thinking there has to be a clear winner between these two. There is extra age and proof to the Pikesville, surely that will outclass the younger buck? I came out not so sure. I think both have their time & place and I will highlight which stood out for this tasting in particular on a muggy New England Sunday in July.
Overall the Pikesville is far more robust, intense and flavorful. I dream of the beginning of Fall when I taste this … but then a bead of sweat forms on my forehead as the more intense proof and spice works it's way out of my pores. I find myself gravitating towards finishing the Sazerac first. Then I find myself pouring a follow up Sazerac once both the glasses are empty... While I think on any cool day, or under a bit of air conditioning, the Pikesville would get the nod; today the lower proof and sweetness of the Sazerac is more enjoyable. Both are really solid rye offerings I will be keeping on my shelf. Cheers!