We may be tool guys and gals, but when it's off-duty, Josh McGaffegan and I head back to our respective homes for another of our passions: food and drink. We've got a few whiskey lovers in our shop, and you may have noticed that we're featuring Pendleton Whiskey 1910 12 Year Rye in our 2022 Christmas Gift Guide. After opening a bottle, we thought it would be good to give you a little more insight into what is becoming a standard on our shelves.
Pendleton Whiskey 1910 12 Year Rye: What They Said
If you're not familiar with Pendleton whiskey, it's a Canadian style (hence the "missing" e in whiskey). The brand takes its name from the 1910 Pendleton roundup in Oregon. This also gives this rye its name in honor of the first year.
Inside the attractive bottle design you'll find a 100% rare rye whiskey aged for a minimum of 12 years in oak barrels.
On the nose, look for nutmeg, cloves and a hint of dried pineapple.
The flavor profile includes rich charred oak, tobacco and butterscotch notes. It has a classic rye flavor, rounded out by smooth maple and sweet cherries.
In the end, expect it to be off-dry with a lingering sour cherry note on the tongue.
Overall, it's heavy and balanced while maintaining complexity.
When I say I like whiskey, I don't mean I like whiskey cocktails. I love that whiskey tastes like whiskey, and old fashioned is about as crazy as I get. Heck, even my old-fashioned recipes aren't that complicated.
Neat, the Pendleton 1910 produces a smooth sip from start to finish thanks to its 12-year history. The rear end is barely burnt. However, the complexity doesn't quite show up and it's a bit flat.
On the rocks, the profile starts to open up, with some sweeter notes making for a more compelling look, with the oak and tobacco holding up the bottom nicely. For a rye in this price range, it's a very pleasant whiskey to sip over ice or a puck.
I ended my tasting night with Old Fashioned (recipe below). While I wouldn't recommend using this rye in most cocktails, it's a superstar in Old Fashioned cocktails. The smoothness of the whiskey combined with the complex flavors, sweetened by simple sugars plus two bitters, is bliss.
Pendleton Whiskey 1910 12 Year Rye Price
Pendleton offers 1910 rye in 750ml bottles and the retail price is quite reasonable for its quality. Most of the online retailers we checked cost between $39.99 and $49.99. The best deals we've found are on Reserve Bar, where they also have codes for free shipping.
the bottom line
Smooth, complex profile and low to no burn finish, enjoy Pendleton Whiskey 1910 12 Year Old Rye on the rocks or in an Old Fashioned to experience its fullest character. It's neat, but it won't take on its full character without a little help from the ice. While I'm sure it will taste great in cocktails, save those cheap whiskeys and enjoy the 1910 without using a powerful mixer to alter its flavor.
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Kenny's Old Fashioned
- 2 oz whiskey
- 2 scoops of simple sugar
- 2 drops Angostura aromatic bitters
- 2 drops Angostura orange bitters
- 1 ice cube or sphere