Distillery: Stoll & Wolfe—Lilitz, PA
Proof: 90.0 (45.0% ABV)
Age: Seventeen Months
Mashbill: 60% Rye, 30% Corn, 10% Malt
MSRP: $51
A Pennsylvania Classic
Stoll & Wolfe’s Pennsylvania Rye isn’t just another small-batch release—it’s a revival of a whiskey legacy. Distilled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and crafted using a recipe and process handed down by the late Dick Stoll—the last master distiller at the original Michter’s Distillery—this rye has a direct lineage into Pennsylvania whiskey heritage.
That intention is captured on the bottle with the phrase “United by Purpose Across Time.” It speaks to the distillery’s desire to connect historical distilling traditions with today’s whiskey drinkers. From the mashbill to the process, the team is focused on preserving the character of Pennsylvania rye while adapting it for a new generation of drinkers.
Lancaster County and the surrounding region were once the heartbeat of American whiskey production. The fertile farmland, abundance of rye grain, and access to clean spring water made southeastern Pennsylvania a natural for distilling in the 18th and 19th centuries. The area’s deep German and Swiss agricultural roots helped establish what came to be known as the Monongahela-style rye—bold, grain-forward whiskeys with little to no corn and a distinct dry finish.
Stoll & Wolfe doesn’t follow that exact mold, but they draw from it. This 90-proof straight rye is made from a mashbill of 60% rye, 30% corn, and 10% malted barley—a softer approach than classic Monongahela. Aged for 17 months, it speaks more to tradition than trend.
Stoll & Wolfe Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.25/5
The Nose offers light honey, orange zest, and baking spice. There’s a touch of fresh grain and charred oak. It’s inviting and well balanced—just a “steady” Nose.
Palate – 4.0/5
The first sip brings in a mild rye spice that slowly builds. Cinnamon, toasted vanilla, and a little leather settle in mid-Palate. The texture is smooth and lightly oily. It’s not a pour that overwhelms—but that’s exactly the point as it delivers flavor without forcing it.
Finish – 3.5/5
The Finish is clean, dry, and moderately long. Notes of dry grain, light pepper, and oak spice carry through without turning bitter or too tannic. It fades gradually and leaves a pleasant, spiced impression.
Value – 4.25/5
At $50, Stoll & Wolfe Pennsylvania Rye delivers solid value—particularly for those interested in a heritage-style rye. The proof and flavor profile make it highly approachable. While I enjoyed it neat, I’m certain it will hold up well in a cocktail. For enthusiasts who appreciate rye that is balanced rather overwhelming you with a brute strength of spice, this bottle checks the right boxes.
Stoll & Wolfe Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Stoll & Wolfe Pennsylvania Rye doesn’t try to dominate. Instead, it quietly reminds you rye whiskey’s home is Lancaster County, PA. With its traditional character, and clear ties to Pennsylvania distilling history, this is a bottle that rewards with a steady sipping experience across repeated pours.
Verdict – 4.0/5
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.