Distillery: Long Island Spirits—Long Island, NY
Proof: 90.0 (45.0% ABV)
Age: Not Less Than Four Years
Mashbill: 60% Corn, 33% Winter Rye, 7% Malted Barley
MSRP: Undisclosed. Online price ranges from $29 to $49
Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brandy Casks: A Unique Bourbon — An Unexpected Location
Long Island Spirits, founded in 2007, is located in Baiting Hollow, NY, just three-quarters of a mile from the Long Island Sound coastline. This is far from traditional bourbon country, and the geographic location introduces unique variables and challenges. When Long Island Spirits opened, they were reportedly the 100th distillery in the United States, making them early pioneers in the craft whiskey movement.
Unlike Kentucky, where heat and humidity dominate much of the year, Baiting Hollow experiences significant seasonal temperature swings, with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows dipping to 23°F. This variance impacts the aging process, likely accelerating barrel interactions compared to traditional bourbon aging climates. The distillery also houses its own rickhouse on-site, meaning the whiskey is aged entirely in this distinct coastal environment.
Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brandy Casks showcases the distillery’s high-rye approach to bourbon and its local sourcing philosophy. The bourbon starts with a mash bill of 60% corn, 33% winter rye, and 7% malted barley, making it a rye-forward expression compared to many traditional bourbons.
After aging in new American oak barrels, it undergoes a Secondary Finish in French Oak brandy casks that previously held high-proof Long Island brandy. These casks come from the distillery’s own private-label brandy production for local wineries, ensuring a truly regional influence on the whiskey’s final profile. Additionally, the bourbon is non-chill filtered, helping preserve its full-bodied texture and depth of flavor.
Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brandy Casks Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.25/5
Notes of butterscotch, toasted oak, and marshmallow emerge at first, complemented by notes of blackberries. A slightly warm spice from the rye content adds a balanced contrast to the sweetness, making for a Nose that leaves you eagerly anticipating the Palate.
Palate – 4/5
The sip starts with toasty butterscotch and dark cherry, followed by a mild wood notes. The winter rye contributes a bold spice that interacts well with the sweet and fruit notes, creating a multi-layered experience. The brandy cask secondary finish serves to enhance the deep fruity notes and increases the depth of sweetness associated with those fruit notes.
Finish – 4/5
A long drawn-out Finish with lingering notes of oak and cinnamon. The high-rye mash bill continues to show its influence with a peppery kick, adding to the uniqueness of this pour.
Value – 4.5/5
The Distillery has not published an MSRP. Online prices range from $29 to $49. For the purposes of scoring value, $39 was used.
Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brandy Casks is a budget-friendly yet distinctive bourbon that drinks well above its price point. The high-rye mash bill and double cask finishing process offer complexity that isn’t normally found at this price point. While not a traditional Kentucky bourbon, it provides a compelling alternative for those looking to explore something different.
Keeper’s Heart Irish + Bourbon Review: The Verdict
Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brandy Casks is a good example of how regional climate differences accompanied by progressive secondary finishing techniques shape a bourbon’s character. The combination of a rye-forward mash bill and brandy cask influence results in a unique and engaging pour.
For those seeking a non-traditional bourbon with layers of fruit, spice, and oak, this is well worth considering. The approachable price point only strengthens its appeal. While it may not replace classic Kentucky expressions, it certainly carves out a distinct place in the world of craft bourbon.
Verdict – 4.2/5
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
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.