What is Maryland Rye Whiskey?
What is Maryland Rye Whiskey?
Maryland ‘style’ Rye Whiskey has a typical mashbill of between 60 to 65% Rye, 15 and 20% corn and the remainder malted barley. It is known for being ‘softer’, sweeter (as a result of the corn) and have a more rounded flavour than Pennsylvania Rye.
Traditionally whiskey made in Maryland, then an Irish colony, was distilled three times to emulate the traditional Irish distillation process.
Prior to the 1906 ‘Pure Food and Drug Act’ many Maryland Rye’s were ‘rectified’ with flavourings such as caramel or cherry, apple or prune juice to provide the sweeter flavour – corn is now used.
Rye whiskey is a distilled spirit that meets the following criteria:
- Produced in the United States
- Made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% Rye
- Aged in new, charred oak barrels
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof 80% ABV
- Entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof 62.5% ABV
- Bottled at more than 80 proof / 40% ABV