A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Company—Clermont, Kentucky

Proof: 95.0 (47.5% ABV)

Age: Four Years

Mashbill: 80% Rye, 20% Soft Malted Barley

MSRP: $40

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A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Straight Rye Whiskey: A Historical Mashbill – Lacking in Complexity

During Rye January, we have established Old Overholt as a testament to American whiskey heritage, tracing back to 1810 when Abraham Overholt began distilling in West Overton, Pennsylvania. The Monongahela mash represents a return to the historical Pennsylvania rye tradition that helped shape American whiskey culture before Prohibition.

The Monongahela mash isn’t just a marketing term – it’s American whiskey heritage, a heritage that nearly disappeared. Tasting A. Overholt, I hope to get a sense of what rye whiskey was to the Pennsylvania distillers nearly two centuries ago.

All that said, it’s important to note, Monongahela mash is not the same as old Monongahela rye which used water from the Monongahela River and was originally a sweet mash expression.  Additionally, it was run on a three-chamber still—a hybrid of pot and column stills.  Neither of these apply to A. Overholt.

A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.75/5

Opens with strong bakery notes — fresh rye bread and allspice, blending the sweet-dry notes of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. There’s a layer of dried fruit (plums and apricots) mingling with understated vanilla.

Palate – 1/5

The Nose sets up an expectation that the Palate does not deliver.  Rye spice dominates, overpowering everything else.  The only other detectable note is balsamicmid-tongue.  Multiple tastings fail to reveal any redeeming complexity.

Finish – 2/5

Medium-long.  Given the 95 proof, I can’t blame the alcohol when my saliva glands throw themselves into overdrive.  The spice gradually fades, leaving behind hints of white pepper and toasted nuts likely from the relatively high barley content.

Value – 3/5

At $40, this is a good representation of historical American rye whiskey offering both authenticity and accessibility. It could be an interesting pour for seasoned enthusiasts; but newcomers beware—this one may be too overpowering for an inexperienced Palate.  That said, it would make for a good gift due to its relatively good value and historical significance.

A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Straight Rye Whiskey revives a historic rye mash tradition and brings forth a grain-forward, spice-laden profile. While it doesn’t reinvent the category or stand above the other Rye January expressions, it remains a testament to history.  I just wish it had been better!

Verdict – 2.5/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3