Distillery: Stoll & Wolfe Distillery—Lititz, PA
Proof: 106.5 (53.25% ABV)
Age: Four Years
Mashbill: 65% Rosen Rye, 25% Corn, 10% Malted Barley
MSRP: $85
Reviving a Heritage Grain with Precision and Purpose
There’s something inherently rewarding about drinking a whiskey that has a story—a story that is bigger than just the distillery. Stoll & Wolfe, based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, deserves props and respect for being part of a story bigger than themselves. Their revival of Rosen rye, an heirloom grain that once defined Pennsylvania rye whiskey before vanishing during the mid-20th century.
Rosen rye was known for its robust, aromatic quality was favored by Pennsylvania distilleries in the early heydays of rye whiskey. But it fell out of favor when grain selection became about yield and efficiency rather than flavor. Working in collaboration with local growers and grain historians, Stoll & Wolfe reintroduced this nearly lost grain variety—and now, they’re bottling it as a straight rye whiskey.
The whiskey itself is distilled from a mashbill of 65% Rosen rye, 25% corn, and 10% malt, and is aged for four years before being bottled at 106.5 proof. The result is a pour that could be considered as a bridge between what was and what is. In that bridge, they are honoring Pennsylvania’s distilling roots while showing that heirloom grains can hold up to center stage scrutiny.
Stoll & Wolfe Rosen Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
(Sample from Distillery was 105.0 Proof)
Nose – 4.25/5
The Nose opens with caramelized grain, light butterscotch, and vanilla cream. What makes it stand out is a distinct herbal brightness—green, slightly minty, rose-like with hints of citrus.
Palate – 4.5/5
The first sip reveals sweet spice and herbal depth, with a strong, licorice-like note along with mild minty coolness. Mid-Palate, the texture is creamy, with notes of toasted rye bread, a touch of banana peel, and some soft citrus. The spice is restrained, not sharp or aggressive.
Finish – 4/5
The Finish is dry and moderately long, with lingering notes of spearmint, toasted wood, and a faint nuttiness. A gentle cooling effect, almost like menthol, rounds out the experience.
Value – 4/5
At $85, this release isn’t aimed at a budget pour—but it delivers on craftsmanship with a historical significance to boot. For a 4-year-old rye without the benefit of
, the complexity is impressive. Enthusiasts with a desire for grain-forward whiskey, Pennsylvania rye heritage, or heirloom agriculture will find this bottle well worth the price.
Stoll & Wolfe Rosen Rye is more than a whiskey—it’s a successful resurgence of a nearly lost grain, brought back to life by the people who now distill it. The result is a pour that is not only grounded in history but is fully relevant in today’s craft whiskey scene.
For those who are curious about the beginnings of rye whiskey—and where it can go—this is a bottle that belongs in the conversation.
Stoll & Wolfe Rosen Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Stoll & Wolfe Rosen Rye is more than a whiskey—it’s a successful resurgence of a nearly lost grain, brought back to life by the people who now distill it. The result is a pour that is not only grounded in history but is fully relevant in today’s craft whiskey scene.
The Rosen rye delivers a flavor profile that’s herbal, floral, and slightly earthy, with plenty of complexity to please a seasoned rye drinker and yet, enough balance to appeal to newcomers.
For those who are curious about the beginnings of rye whiskey—and where it can go—this is a bottle that belongs in that conversation. Shop here.
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.