Liberty Pole Spirits, situated in the rolling hills of Washington, PA, takes their history seriously. Located near the events of the late 18th century Whiskey Rebellion, the distiller works toward making Western Pennsylvania a seat of whiskey production again as it once was. (They also don’t hide their feelings for Alexander Hamilton – which you’ll notice if you have the chance to visit the distillery.) Whiskey Rising previously looked at Liberty Pole’s bourbon, but today is the Liberty Pole Spirits Cask Strength Peated Rye review.

The mash bill for this peated rye consists of 59% Pennsylvania rye, 30% peat smoked malt barley, and 11% malt barley. The proof clocks in at an aggressive 109.6 (54.8% ABV). Aged for a minimum of 24 months after double distillation in a copper pot still, my bottle is of the 2nd batch. While part of a limited production with no hint of the next rollout, let’s see how this peated rye goes down!

Bottle and Appearance

The bottle and labeling resemble Liberty Pole’s standard, albeit with a swarthier background for the label. In the bottle, this peated rye protrudes a deep cherry coloring with noteworthy ruddiness. In the glass, the red hue fades slightly leaving an autumn spiced tea appearance. Swirling it in the glass produces a medium bordering on light coating, with thin fast legs.

Nose

Lifting the glass to the nose brings an easy but full warming experience, and the peated nature of this whiskey rapidly becomes apparent. This effect quickly leads to an oiled leather scent which seems intent on settling in. However, before complacency officially sets in a campfire with hickory chips reveals itself providing a sense of movement. Faint notes of iodine round out the experience. Overall, a dual nature of earthiness and airiness complement this nose. Grounded yet fleet-footed, the nose comes across nicely.

Palate

The warming effect from the nose continues in the mouth. Initially, the flavor profile starts with a slightly sweet dark chocolate bite. Rolling it around allows this bitter sweetness to take the form of red cherries. It also exposes a soft leather oily texture flitting between a mouth coating and a spray. A sprinkling of paprika offers a mild introduction into the spicier aspects of the whiskey. As such, the rye comes through strongly as does the malted peat. However, the rye plays executive to the peated junior partner role in this relationship. Typically peated tones tend to dominate, but it offers a solid support here without giving too much ground. It feels like a 60-40 rye to peat taste ratio. Very enjoyable and unique.

Finish

The finish continues the rye from the mouth, and the campfire smoke from the nose circles back here. A cinnamon flourish completes the finish with a very long and undulating tail. It nearly feels as though no end actually exists, and plays with the flavors for quite a while. Any inkling of alcohol in the nose or palate completely disappears in the finish. Pretty remarkable for a nearly 110 proof whiskey! On the whole, an exquisite finish to an enjoyable experience.

Drinkability

Drink this one neat. There really is no reason to disrupt or alter what’s going on here. Throwing some ice into it actually mutes the spiciness of the rye, and renders it with more of scotch feel and taste. It works, but doesn’t feel as complete as it does neat. For effect, drink this whiskey on a star ship in deep space as the solar systems leave luminous trails mirroring the whiskey’s path. Or, assuming that’s impractical, at a campfire under pine trees and stars wearing a three piece suit and hat. Either way, this is a special occasion grade whiskey.

Food Pairing

Anything and nothing. This whiskey easily stands alone and does not need food to bring out or refine any of its aspects. Conversely, it would lend itself to any dish, more as the VIP while the food plays second fiddle.

Facial Hair Rating

This spirit receives the Villain Facial Hair Rating. A mysterious charmer with confidence and flair this whiskey feels both dashing and dangerous. Unsure of its intentions or next steps, the whiskey steals the spotlight requiring vigilance as it pulls you into its game. Despite shattering the norms, at the end the audience can’t help but to root for this seductive villain.

Overall

To conclude the Liberty Pole Spirits Cask Strength Peated Rye review, buy it whenever available. This is a strikingly sophisticated whiskey with balance and complexity. Despite the 109.6 proof and the boisterous flavor profile, it retains a smooth elegance. Each step of the experience builds and improves upon the last, offering something new without losing grasp of where it started. Unfortunately, this peated rye is a limited edition for Liberty Pole and not always readily available. Hopefully that will change, and change soon.

Final Grade: A+

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