Hochstadter's 16 Year Old Rye Whiskey

I’m still in disbelief this rye came from Canada. With no disrespect to Canadian whisky, it’s a different style than American, especially when it comes to the rye. Canadian whisky isn’t my go-to for various reasons, chief among them a lighter, softer style at odds with my proof-hunting, big-mouthfeel-wanting ways.

And then there’s this.

The brand - revived only in 2013 despite the 1884 on the label - is the project of the Cooper family under the Cooper Spirits portfolio. They also produce the well-regarded Lock, Stock, and Barrel releases, also sourced from Alberta. Whoever at Cooper Spirits decided only 7500 bottles would be produced is either a genius or needs to be hunted with pitchforks (maybe both!).

This is one of the best ryes I’ve ever had. Period.

Seriously, this is insane. A cask strength rye at over 120 proof, sixteen years old but not over-oaked in the slightest. A rich, chewy mouthfeel up there with the best of MGP.

Something that might make a difference: this rye, despite being made in Canada, was aged in virgin American oak barrels - i.e. the same that a straight rye or bourbon would be aged in. New, charred barrels plus no chill filtering equals a great mouthfeel. Plus, aging in Canada rather than the US means a cooler average temperature and slower aging, so no woodiness even with its age.

Everything seems great about this, so what about the price? It is up there, creeping towards $200. For a 16-year-old whiskey, that is on the upper edge of the spectrum (though still in the reasonable range for me), one I’d want to try before buying. Canadian whisky isn’t known for being super expensive, but when it’s sourced suddenly the price skyrockets (see: Whistlepig).

At between $175-$200 a bottle, this is a 110% buy for me. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second. Unfortunately, that was the same opinion of nearly everyone who has tasted this (seriously - look up a few other reviews). It’s possible to still find one near that price, though they’re becoming harder and harder to procure, and Cooper Spirits has said nothing in the intervening years about another batch coming out. Honestly, whether or not this is a one-time release, I’m going to buy at least one, maybe two, and pray for another while drinking them.

Hochstadter's 16 Year Old Rye Whiskey: Specs

Classification: Straight Rye Whiskey

Origin: Alberta Distillers

Mashbill: 100% Rye

Proof: 123.8 (61.9% ABV)

Age: 16 Years Old

Location: Canada

Hochstadter's 16 Year Old Rye Whiskey Price: $189

No Official Website

Hochstadter's 16 Year Old Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Eye: Grade A maple syrup. Very thin rims and random droplets.

Nose: Sweet rye - almost peach nectary, spiked of course. Some proof heat, with green tea and green peppercorns developing. Smells rich and sweet. Even the herbs that open up are sweet.

Palate: Peach nectar continues beautifully with rich fruity rye power. Spicy proof hits and retreats on each sip. The herbal side starts building but stays sweet without anything coming near the “sugary” line. Mouthfeel is rich, filling, and creamy, with peppery spice coating the underside of my tongue as apricots and marmalade open up. Just fantastic.

Finish: Hints of dark chocolate, even unsweetened, build to a crescendo then fade. Medium-to-long finish with a long decrescendo.

Overall: Wow - this is a hell of a rye. Nectary, rich, sweet without being sickly. The proof is never too hot and the pepper balances the sweetness perfectly. Outstanding.

Final Rating: 8.7

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Old Label Batch 4 or 2, Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (Stagg Jr. Batch 10, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)

More Rye Reviews