New York Distilling Company is proud to announce the release of its second rye whiskey, Ragtime Rye, a straight American rye whiskey. Following on the successful heels of Mister Katz’s Rock & Rye, Ragtime Rye is the next progression in a series of rye whiskeys from the Williamsburg, Brooklyn based distillery.
Exclusive use of full size barrels and aging that is a minimum of 3 years positions Ragtime Rye as a distinctive American whiskey in today’s craft distilling boom and culture. The result is a bold rye whiskey with a smooth finish that can be enjoyed on its own and is equally well suited for cocktails.
“We are excited to finally be able to share, after three and half years, the efforts of our work and commitment to our straight American rye whiskey,” says Allen Katz, New York Distillery Company’s Co-Founder and spirits expert.
Distilled, bottled and aged at New York Distilling Company in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Ragtime Rye is an original recipe developed by Katz and will be available nationwide on September 1st, 2015.
“At New York Distilling Company we make gins and rye whiskey’s because collectively they form the backbone of traditional cocktails in America,” explains Katz. “In both frameworks there is great opportunity for originality and purposeful difference in the style of spirits we want to produce and offer to the public.”
Ragtime Rye is made from a mash bill of 72% rye, 16% corn and 12% malted barley with the primary grains, rye and corn, being derived from New York State. The rye, which is 100% non-GMO and primarily organic, is specifically grown for New York Distilling Company by Pedersen Family Farms in the Central Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.
“With the addition of Ragtime Rye we have been able to increase our commitment to rye grown in New York State and thus our overall production of rye whiskey 10 fold,” explains Katz.
The whiskey spends a minimum of three years in full size (53 gallon) American oak barrels with a #3 char. The subsequent mellowing that occurs over several seasonal cycles is the result of both varied and extreme temperatures, from the coldness of winter to the heat and humidity of summer. “These stresses are beneficial to aging whiskey,” says Katz. “The interaction between the oak, oxygen and temperature creates an environment that elicits a reasonable evaporation over time. It’s this time that starts to serve and create distinct flavors and aromas.”
This American rye whiskey is unique but most importantly tastes of more than just wood! Nuances of caramel, earthy tobacco and spices including clove interplay on the palate with hints of white pepper and bright fruit. Ragtime Rye is bottled at 90.4 proof; it is designed to be consumed on its own or as the heart of a cocktail. “American classics such as a Manhattan, Old Fashioned or Sazerac are great cocktails for an introduction to the product,” says Katz.
As American as apple pie, Ragtime and rye share an era of popularity from the late 1800’s up until Prohibition when the syncopated rhythms of a uniquely American music echoed from saloons. Rye whiskey fueled the merriment as Americans across the country toe-tapped and jigged to piano roll classics like Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer,” or “Maple-Leaf Rag.”
Ragtime fell out of favor as jazz claimed the public’s imagination, as did rye whiskey with the ascendance of bourbon and Scotch whiskey. With Ragtime Rye and its precursor Mister Katz’s Rock & Rye, New York Distilling Company is committed to bringing the spotlight back to this decidedly American spirit.
Ragtime Rye is the newest addition to the New York Distilling Company’s portfolio of spirits including Perry’s Tot – Navy Strength Gin, Dorothy Parker – American Gin and Chief Gowanus – New-Netherland Gin and Mister Katz’s Rock & Rye.Ragtime Rye will be available beginning September 1, 2015. The suggested retail price is $44.
See more at: www.nydistilling.com.
