Rough Rider Bull Moose Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Distilled by Long Island Spirits—Suffolk, New York

Proof: 90 (45% ABV)

Age: 1-2 years in new charred oak barrels then two additional aging stages

Mashbill: 93% Long Island Winter Rye, 9% Malted Rye

MSRP: $39

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Rough Rider Bull Moose Rye Whiskey: A Triple-Barrel Experience

When it comes to craft spirits, respect goes to Long Island Spirits for their steps to innovate and set themselves apart.  Suffolk County, which is the heart of New York State’s agricultural region, is the home of Long Island Spirits.  They distinguish themselves by utilizing local winter rye in their whiskey production. 

Winter rye is planted in autumn rather than spring and develops deeper root systems during the cold winter months. Because the growing season is extended it provides a grain with higher protein content resulting in increasingly concentrated flavors.

In addition to the use of winter rye, the Rough Rider Bull Moose Rye uses an innovative a triple-barrel aging process:

• First Stage (1-2 years): New charred American oak barrels
• Second Stage (3-6 months): transferred to casks previously used to age Rough Rider Bourbon
• Final Stage (3-6 months): finished in Pine American Single Malt casks

Named after President Theodore Roosevelt—affectionately known as the Bull Moose after he declared that he felt “strong as a moose” during the 1912 Chicago Republican Convention—this rye lives up to the attitude of its namesake.

Let’s dive into how this unique triple-barrel aging process translates into the glass.

Rough Rider Bull Moose Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.25/5

Classic rye spice and cracked black pepper takes the lead.  Subtly sweet aroma with grassy herbal notes.  A bit of licorice-like essence.

Palate – 4.5/5

Light cinnamon and black pepper give way to an oakiness and gentle hints of caramel.  A slight nuttiness develops mid-palate

Finish – 4.25/5

Short warm rye spice that quickly transitions to a sweet oak with a touch of maple.  A persistent peppery tingle.

Value – 4.5/5

At $39 MSRP, Rough Rider Bull Moose Rye is an exceptional value. The use of local winter rye and an innovative triple-barrel aging serves to create a whiskey that drinks well above its price point.

Rough Rider Bull Moose Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

From the first sip, RR Bull Moose Rye intrigued me.  It is a very easy drinking rye and I think it will particularly appeal to rye enthusiasts who appreciate a rye that is bold but not over the top on spice elements.  The opportunity to experience a unique and complex multiple barrel finish only serves to make this an even higher value expression.  This is a solid gold expression that borders on a Platinum.  If you’re in one of the states where its available then so do yourself a favor and order this whiskey.

Verdict – 4.5/5

Insiders, please pay attention to this don’t miss bottle!

A Legacy of Bootlegging and Resilience

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