Rock & Rye Whiskey
80 Proof
Annual Release
Spirit Description
Rock and Rye Whiskey is our Woodcock Rye Whiskey that isinfused with a variety of fruits and spices and releasedevery October. This infusion includes oranges, lemons,pineapple, horehound drops, honey, cloves, and cinnamonsticks. The resulting whiskey is a well-balanced blend ofcitrusy notes combined with spicy sweetness that is perfectfor fall and winter sipping.
Information & History
Rock and Rye Whiskey's popularity rose in the late 1800s for its “medicinal properties,” with almost every pharmacy across the US having some "prprietary" recipe that was typically promoted as a form of cough syrup.
In 1883, the drink was finally reclassified as a distilled spirit. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau definition, rock and rye has a minimum 25.5% alcohol by volume, must be made with rye, straight rye, or whiskey distilled from a rye mash, and contain either rock candy or sugar syrup. The addition of fruit, fruit juices, or other natural flavoring is allowed, but optional.
Despite the 1883 classification change, many folks continued to believe in the healing properties of Rock & Rye - adding even more exotic ingredients to their recipes. An 1891 advertisement for Tolu rock and rye in Chicago promoted its use “for coughs, colds, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, consumption and all diseases of the throat, chest and lungs.” In some cases, “women's issues” and cancer were added for good measure. Additives like cloves, balsam, and horehound were meant to evoke these medicinal properties.