Kentucky bourbon, Bordeaux wine – we’ve long identified our favorite spirits by their homeland regions as a mark of quality and authenticity. Next up? Add Empire Rye Whiskey, from Black Button Distilling to the list.
In 2015, six New York State distillers started a collective to build a distinguished Empire Rye Whiskey style to life. Six years later, the NYS distilling industry has grown by 60%, and Empire Rye keeps popping up as a distinctive, precisely crafted spirit held to as high a standard as any of the illustrious whiskey styles in the world.
What classifies an Empire Rye Whiskey?
- Must conform to the New York Farm Distiller (Class D) requirement that 75% of the mash bill be New York grain; in this instance that 75% MUST be New York State-grown rye grain, which may be raw, malted, or a combination.
- The remaining 25% of the mash bill may be composed of any raw or malted grain, New York-grown or otherwise, or any combination thereof.
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof
- Aged for a minimum of two years in charred, new oak barrels at not more than 115 proof at the time of entry.
- Must be mashed, fermented, distilled, barreled, and aged at a single New York State distillery.
- A blended whisky containing no less than 100% qualifying Empire Rye whiskies from multiple distilleries may be called Blended Empire Rye
The process is unique in that they use 94% Danko Rye grown on the shores of Consensus Lake. This big, bold, spicy grain captures the true spirit of the Empire State. The temperature-controlled fermentation and proprietary pot, column, pot, column distillation method all contribute to our unique flavor profile. And that is before being set to age in our custom charred barrels!
The Empire Rye requirement to use local grains and barrel down at a lower proof, in combination with the harsh New York winters and hot humid summers, all contribute to the unique flavor of this product. Unfiltered to provide you with true and authentic flavor, the Rye is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a traditional whiskey cocktail.