Hunter & Scott Rye Whiskey is produced by Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, VA. Reservoir considers the Hunter & Scott line a “younger brother” of the family. Additional research suggests that the differences between the lines center on mash bill and aging process, with the Reservoir line serving as the premium product. Established in 2008, the distillery promotes this whiskey as a daily drinker or cocktail spirit. Likewise, we see how accurate they are with the Hunter & Scott Rye whiskey review. (Whiskey Rising also reviewed Hunter & Scott Bourbon.)

With a name like Hunter & Scott Rye, it’s not a mystery on what to expect in the bottle. As such, the distiller employs a straightforward mash bill consisting of 67% rye and 33% wheat. Additionally, both grains are 100% sourced from Virginia farms. However, as for aging Reservoir guards their words a bit more. They state that no specific aging timeframe exists for this whiskey, but depends rather on their small or large barrel program. Furthermore, the batches go through a periodic hand-testing to ensure readiness. Finally, this rye bottles at 90 proof (45% ABV). Reservoir states themselves that their “techniques are not revolutionary, but our opinion on readiness is.” Noted – now to determine how the results fare.

Bottle and Appearance

Hunter & Scott Rye exudes a dark and hazy black walnut coloring in the bottle. A transition into the glass allows for the same color. Giving it a swirl demonstrates very thick yet slow forming legs. These legs ultimately form smooth but non-uniform rows that proceed relatively unencumbered. A nice display and something that warrants a moment of reflection. The bottle itself portrays an upper crust vibe yet classy enough to display some level of restraint. It looks the part of a fine whiskey collection in a home or on a shelf in an expensive steak restaurant without necessarily trying (thought secretly knowing what it’s doing).

Nose

Lifting this rye to the nose produces a mild prickling sensation. The flavor profile opens with a blooming vanilla and an underlying brown sugar mixed in. Hints of chewing tobacco linger in the background somewhat restlessly, but do not charge ahead. A pronounced brown leather lay at the bottom as though it fell to the ground and remains unable or unwilling to stand up. Here the rye gains a sort of rustic root cellar feeling. A grape must leftover from wine making appears and feels as lazy as the leather. The nose is neither shy nor complex but avoids an exuberant simplicity as well. Nice, enjoyable with a tinge of mystery.

Palate

As Hunter & Scott Rye enters the mouth, it does so with an astringent coating effect. At first, a distinct honey dew note sort of whips out and fades as quickly. A combination of milk chocolate and chili spice fill the void forming something akin to a chocolate mole sauce. This flavor smoothly transitions to burnt vanilla that ultimately leads to creme brûlée. Sweet, spicy and tangy, this whiskey rides around the world with smooth transitions and breakneck pivots. The body itself doesn’t quite possess that standard rye chew factor, but nevertheless provides a thick mouthful that allows the flavors to resonate and sink in. In short, the palate brings a lot of exciting elements to the table and combines them with relative ease and grace.

Finish

The finish basically picks up where the palate leaves off. The familiar flavor of creme brûlée comes through again, as does the chocolate and chili spice. The latter notes, however, don’t meld here and perhaps went through a contentious separation. A mild alcohol burn forms as well. It’s not enough to scare anyone off, but perhaps enough to remind everyone that this is, in fact, a whiskey. Despite not breaking new ground, the finish serves a functional purpose and brings the experience to a suitable conclusion. By allowing the highly enjoyable flavors of the profile to repeat and slowly ride off into the sunset it allows the palate to stretch on. Not exactly bold, but with a palate like this it feels like a sound strategy.

Drinkability

Hunter & Scott Rye works either neat or on the rocks. Putting it over ice brings a bitter vanilla to the forefront and really highlights the creme brûlée. It allows for a nice exploration of this flavor profile as it seemingly isolates it and allows for a contemplation of it. This whiskey is highly suitable for pouring a little in a glass while kicking back and forgetting about the small worries. In fact, it has a way of bringing presence with it. For true effect, put goggles on with a scarf whilst listening to loud classical music.

Food Pairing

Enjoy a spicy fried chicken sandwich and waffle fries with this rye whiskey. The combination of exquisite flavor and working class character couple well with Hunter & Scott Rye. The rye, however, may be more aristocratic than working class, but it’s the unassuming nature of the two that relate.

Facial Hair Rating

Hunter & Scott Rye whiskey receives the English Facial Hair Rating. A quiet, reserved confidence animates the English style. Yet within this composure lurks a swashbuckling privateer that yearns to be free. Indeed, this inner pirate is free and carries on with his pirate duties of pillaging and raiding although with a nice, sophisticated accent and lexicon.

Overall

To conclude the Hunter & Scott Rye whiskey review – professional yet independent. Hunter & Scott Rye is both an adult in the room yet fun with a wild side at the same time. Both dependable and carefree as it needs to be based on the situation. The whiskey hits some nice key rye notes and plays with them in a toying manner. While it does this on one hand, it manages to approach sophistication on the other hand. The sweet and spicy duality come through nicely, and it does an effective job especially with the creme brûlée. It never quite reaches what may pass as a complex whiskey, but it sort of flirts with the idea. This rye easily fits the mold of ‘I just want to pour a glass of whiskey and forget about the world’ mentality. However, it also does allow for a more in-depth investigation that might not yield the secrets to the universe but will provide some hidden gems all the same.

Final Grade: A-

Here is an overview of our proprietary Rating System. Please share your thoughts below or reach out to us on our contact page. Find this whiskey or any other favorites with Frootbat – any bottle, anywhere!