Rosen rye is a resilient winter rye selection with deep roots in early Twentieth-century American agriculture. Its story begins in 1909, when Dr. Frank Spragg of Michigan Agricultural School (now Michigan State College) acquired a small pattern of pedigreed rye seeds from Russia. These seeds have been despatched by his former scholar, Joseph A. Rosen — a Russian immigrant who had endured imprisonment as a scholar protestor earlier than persevering with his research in the USA. With no recognized Russian identify for the grain, Spragg cultivated the range and named it “Rosen rye” in honor of his scholar.
By 1912, the primary industrial planting of Rosen rye yielded 35 bushels, rapidly sparking widespread curiosity. By the Nineteen Twenties, Rosen rye turned a staple crop throughout Pennsylvania, integral to the area’s agricultural and distilling traditions. Nonetheless, after World Struggle II, its cultivation declined sharply. The rise of business agriculture favored hybrid grains, and unintentional crossbreeding diluted Rosen rye’s genetic purity. By the Seventies, industrial manufacturing had all however vanished, with solely a small batch of seeds preserved within the USDA seed financial institution.
The revival of Rosen rye started in 2015, because of the efforts of Laura Fields of the Delaware Valley Fields Basis. Launching Venture Rosen with simply 5 ounces of seeds from the USDA, Fields partnered with Penn State grain skilled Greg Roth to scale up manufacturing by means of successive plantings. The historic Kline Household Farm, established in 1741 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, turned a key grower, reconnecting Rosen rye with its storied previous.
Among the many most iconic names linked to Pennsylvania rye whiskey is Dick Stoll, previously of Pennsylvania’s Michter’s Distillery. In 2016, Avianna and Erik Wolfe introduced Stoll out of retirement to co-found Stoll & Wolfe Distillery in Lititz, Pennsylvania — reviving the custom of distilling whiskey from Rosen rye. Although Dick Stoll handed away in August 2020 at age 86, his legacy endures by means of the distillery’s work.
Every rye selection carries its personal distinct character, and Rosen rye is not any exception. Stoll & Wolfe Distillery generously supplied Drinkhacker with three whiskeys that includes Rosen rye: Pennsylvania Straight Rye, a Mix of American Straight Whiskeys, and a collaboration from West Overton’s Keystone Rye Assortment. As soon as an important a part of Pennsylvania’s rye whiskey heritage, Rosen rye’s distinctive character shines by means of in these trendy expressions.
With Rosen rye now flourishing once more on the Kline Household Farm, the query stays: Is the hype round this historic grain nonetheless justified?
Stoll & Wolfe Pennsylvania Straight Rye (2025) Evaluate
The pattern supplied by Stoll & Wolfe is from a batch aged for 30 months in 53-gallon barrels sourced from Zak Cooperage. These barrels function staves air-dried for 2 years and carry a #3 char. This age assertion is critical, as Stoll & Wolfe provide a variety of whiskeys with various ages. The mashbill consists of 60% Rosen rye, 30% corn, and 10% malted barley. Fermentation takes place in open-top cypress tanks utilizing a candy mash course of lasting 4 to five days. It’s vital to make clear that this mashbill doesn’t observe the standard Monongahela-style rye usually linked to Pennsylvania, because the rye content material right here is significantly decrease than that traditional profile.
The distillate leaves the nonetheless at 128 proof and is barreled at 109 proof. Initially, the barrels age in an previous tobacco barn in Lancaster County, then end in a heated distillery surroundings to copy the warmth biking typical of historic Pennsylvania rye whiskey getting older. The whiskey is bottled at 90 proof and is non-chill filtered, which means it could develop some cloudiness when chilled—an aesthetic quirk somewhat than a flaw.
On the nostril, there are clear notes of lemonade and inexperienced apple, making a crisp impression. These fruity scents quickly give technique to hints of mint and vanilla, maintaining the aroma gentle and approachable. The palate affords cracked peppercorn alongside a brilliant candied lemon peel. Halfway by means of, honey and dried apple chips seem, with the feel settling at a medium viscosity. The end brings again cracked peppercorn and honey, introducing a pleasant contact of darkish chocolate that lingers.
Contemplating its comparatively younger age, the whiskey performs properly. The black pepper is current however by no means overpowering. With out information of its age, many tasters would seemingly discover it satisfying. When in comparison with rye whiskey of comparable age from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, this Rosen rye from Pennsylvania is a transparent choice. 90 proof. B / $31 (375 ml)
Stoll & Wolfe Mix of American Straight Whiskeys Evaluate
Stoll & Wolfe’s American Whiskey is a mix of 20% Pennsylvania rye and 80% bourbon sourced from MGP in Indiana. The bourbon portion makes use of a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Batch 52 options bourbon aged 4.5 years alongside Rosen rye aged 2.5 years.
On the nostril, canned pears and honey stand out instantly. Because it opens up, further notes of caramel and a touch of gardenia come by means of. The aroma leans closely on candy qualities however lacks a lot in the way in which of spice. Whereas there are various kinds of sweetness current, the general impression is simple somewhat than complicated.
The palate begins with flavors much like Golden Grahams cereal and a delicate caramel notice. Because it develops, crisp pear and rye bread seem, accompanied by a medium mouthfeel. The end highlights extra rye bread alongside darkish brown sugar. Just like the nostril, the palate is pretty easy.
There’s nothing disagreeable about this whiskey, however it additionally doesn’t go away an enduring impression. If a buddy poured me a glass, I’d take pleasure in it with out hesitation. Nonetheless, with regards to selecting a bottle to share or savor, this one wouldn’t be my alternative over others in my assortment. 86 proof. B- / $37 (375 ml)
West Overton x Stoll & Wolfe Keystone Rye Assortment (2025) Evaluate
This launch is a collaboration with West Overton Distillery in Scottsdale, Pennsylvania. The distillery is a part of West Overton Village, residence to the historic distillery of Abraham Overholt. West Overton Village resumed producing its personal Pennsylvania rye whiskey in 2020, persevering with a legacy that traces again to Henry Overholt’s first stills in 1803. The location can also be a notable cease on the American Whiskey Path. The distillery is housed in a restored Nineteenth-century barn. West Overton’s Keystone Rye Assortment features a small quantity of rye distilled on web site, blended with rye from different outstanding Pennsylvania distilleries.
This collaboration between West Overton and Stoll & Wolfe distilleries marks the primary barrel proof launch within the Keystone Rye Assortment, bottled at 108 proof. The mix incorporates 95% rye whiskey from Stoll & Wolfe and 5% distilled by West Overton. The West Overton rye encompasses a mashbill of 80% rye and 20% malted barley, aligning with the standard Monongahela-style rye. In line with that authenticity, the rye grain is grown on web site, whereas the malted barley is regionally sourced. All barrels on this mix have been aged a minimal of three years.
The nostril opens with notes of citronella and peppermint tea. Because the whiskey breathes, apricot jam and hazelnuts be part of the aroma, making a extra pronounced and sophisticated bouquet than the American Whiskey and Pennsylvania Rye, regardless of comparable age statements. The palate begins with white pepper and gingerbread spices. Halfway, raisin paste and smoked beef jerky seem, supported by a thick, oily texture. The flavour profile is enjoyable and various, matching the complexity discovered on the nostril.
The end brings chai spices and a pinch of mocha, fading into gentle sandalwood. Contemplating its comparatively younger age, this rye performs exceptionally properly. Of the three whiskeys reviewed, this one stands out as well worth the worth to personal. Provided that solely 5% of the mix is from West Overton, it’s fascinating how distinct it’s in comparison with Stoll & Wolfe’s 30-month Pennsylvania Rye. This bottle is a transparent winner. 108 proof. A- / $75 (375 ml)
Stoll & Wolfe Mix of American Straight Whiskeys
USD37
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