Located in Missoula, MT, Montgomery Distillery operates a farm to glass distilling operation. The Montgomery family farm in Heath, MT, sits on one of the largest spring creeks in the state which irrigates the concern’s wheat and rye. Commencing operations in 2012, Montgomery aims to create new and intriguing spirits using a pot still made for them by Germany’s oldest still maker. Today, we look at their attempt of a classic American expression with the Montgomery Sudden Wisdom Rye review. (Whiskey Rising also reviewed Montgomery’s American Single Malt.)

Sudden Wisdom contains a 100% mash bill of Montana and Canadian rye. At some point in 2020, the distillery expects all of the rye used in production to come from their farm. My bottle of Sudden Wisdom asserts a 2 year aging process in 53 gallon heavy char, American white oak casks. This rye clocks in at 90 proof (45% ABV). With the basics out of the way, lets determine if Sudden Wisdom indeed provides rapid enlightenment!

Bottle and Appearance

Generally speaking, most whiskey bottles serve as little more than a vessel for the juice inside. Sudden Wisdom, however, heightens the experience by providing an abundance of information about the whiskey. Beyond the standard fare of age, proof and mash bill, we’re told the whiskey ‘recalls the colonial-style whiskey enjoyed by early Americans.’ Additionally, it compares the drinking experience to Neil Young’s Live Rust album, and contextualizes it with a quote from the Kena Upanishad:

“Who is that invisible one who sees through my eyes?”

Deep. In the bottle, Sudden Wisdom exudes a robust copper coloring which maintains in the glass. Swirling it allows for moderate thickness and numerous beads with skinny, athletic legs.

Nose

Lifting the glass to the nose brings with it a slightly pungent and drying combination. Subsequently, a loosely blended dry mixture of oak, wheat bran cereal and rye presents itself. Meanwhile, a separate experience materializes apart from the initial tones with cumin leading the way. Somewhere in between these two halves dancing in and out lurks a muted citrus. The dominant profile alters depending on the depth of the breath, and there is a subtle but distinct fluidity the way it manifests itself. Consequently, a fun and complex experience emerges.

Palate

The whiskey enters the mouth with a mild warming, and the 100% rye mash bill instantly makes itself known. A unique sweetness follows, resembling that of a honey-cola which clings to the middle throughout. The oak from the nose carries through to the palate, but introduces notes of caraway seed this time. The mouth is pleasant albeit lacking the complexity of the nose. Additionally, the chewiness often found in rye whiskey is absent as Sudden Wisdom produces a lighter feel.

Finish

As we move into the finish, the whiskey retains the oak that has existed throughout. Similarly, the rye continues as well accompanied by additional black pepper spice here. Sudden Wisdom ends with a minor cinnamon flair stashed inside of leather, which finally appears. Though nothing wrong with the finish and it proceeds finely, it primarily feels like a direct continuation of the palate and does little to elevate the overall experience.

Drinkability

Sudden Wisdom works both neat and over the rocks or with a splash of water. Throwing water into the equation performs the simultaneous task of breaking the flavors out even more and providing a smoothness which effortlessly carries the profile from lift of glass to finish as one complete act. Drink Sudden Wisdom in a tweed suit pondering whiskey itself, as well as the holographic nature of reality.

Food Pairing

Given the Montana roots of this whiskey pair it with elk sausage. Adding a starchy side dish such as potato au gratin will allow the enjoyable flavors to linger in the mouth just a little longer.

Facial Hair Rating

Sudden Wisdom Rye receives the Van Dyke facial hair rating. Likely never a highly common look, Van Dyke nevertheless feels classic in an esoteric sense. Exhibiting a bit of flair while also hinting at deeper qualities, this facial hair style would certainly feel apt for a Classics professor at a university.

Overall

To conclude the Montgomery Sudden Wisdom Rye review – very nicely done. The whiskey itself tastes great. Minor issues such as lack of an exhilarating finish and absence of a chewy sensation feel pedantic and do little (if anything) to actually diminish the whiskey. Beyond the flavor profile itself, Sudden Wisdom excels at the overall experience. Upon reading the bottle I understand their intention for the whiskey as well as a contextual frame for drinking it through the album recommendation and philosophical quote. This resonates with the Whiskey Rising approach to rating whiskey, and starts to build the story for Sudden Wisdom before the bottle is even opened. Sudden Wisdom lives up to its bottle’s buildup and does indeed provide rapid enlightenment.

Final Grade: A

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