Liberty Pole Spirits Introduces “Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey”

Posted on by Scott Dilley

A Revered Legacy of Pennsylvania Whiskey Reborn for the Modern Whiskey Drinker

Fast Facts about Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey

  • Style: Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Mashbill: 74% total rye (61% Pennsylvania grown rye and 13% malted rye), 13% wheat, and 13% malted barley
  • Proof: 108 (54% ABV); “Full Barrel Entry Proof”
  • Distinctions: Pot Still, Sweet Mash
  • Age: 3.5 – 4.5 Years Old
  • Price: $64
  • Availability: Distillery and Pennsylvania Only; May 11, 2024

Full Details on the Release:

Washington, PA 5/7/2024 — Distilled in the heart of the Monongahela (mə-NONG-gə-HEE-lə) Valley of western Pennsylvania, a region steeped in the rich heritage of rye whiskey craftsmanship, comes a tribute to tradition and innovation. Today, we proudly announce the arrival of “Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey,” a testament to the time-honored and once world-famous Monongahela Rye style reintroduced to modern whiskey drinkers.

Based on a storied recipe beloved for centuries, our “Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey” pays homage to its historical roots while embracing the essence of contemporary distillation. At the core of its character lies a high rye mash bill made with 74% total rye, composed of 61% Pennsylvania grown rye and 13% malted rye. This distinctive blend is further enriched with 13% wheat and 13% malted barley, resulting in a classic style of pot distilled Pennsylvania rye whiskey.

What sets our “Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey” apart is not only its recipe but also its craftsmanship. After 8 years of focusing exclusively on fine tuning our pot distilled whiskey, we honor the tradition of Monongahela Rye by sweet mashing and double pot distilling each batch. The process of pot distillation is essential and ensures the preservation of those herbal, spice, and fruity grain flavors in a rich, viscous and flavor forward whiskey.

Following this traditional distillation process, the spirit is placed into 53-gallon barrels made from local Appalachian oak by the West Virginia Great Barrel Company at a low barrel entry of 108 proof. This low entry proof guards against astringency that can occur in high barrel proof whiskeys while extracting those dark leather and caramel notes that we want to be front and center in our whiskeys.

The inaugural release of “Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey” marks a milestone in our journey, showcasing a blend of six barrels ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 years old. Bottled at a proof of 108, mirroring its barrel entry proof, this expression captures the true essence of Monongahela Rye, promising a sensory experience that transcends time and tradition.

We are thrilled to introduce ‘Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey’ to enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. With every bottle, we invite you to embark on a journey through history, savoring the legacy of Monongahela Rye while embracing the spirit of innovation that defines our craft.

Jim Hough, Co-Founder of Liberty Pole Spirits

This release will be available at the distillery and for shipping to PA addresses on May 11th for $64 for a 750mL bottle. “Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey” invites discerning palates to indulge in a taste of tradition reborn. Join us in raising a glass to the timeless allure of Monongahela Rye, reborn for a new era of appreciation. For more information, please visit LibertyPoleSpirits.com.

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