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Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey is made by Mountain Laurel Spirits, LLC in Bristol, Pennsylvania, DSP 15015. I have always liked Dad’s Hat Rye ever since John Lipman gave me a pour at his home about 14 years ago. He had been in Pennsylvania and brought home a very young sample of their rye whiskey. I could tell from that young sample that they were making good whiskey. Their whiskey has gotten even better than that first sample John poured for me. I was pleased when they sent me a bottle of their six year old bonded rye the other day. Matt and I sat down and tasted it recently and here are our tasting notes.

Dad’s Hat Six Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey

Proof: 100

Age: Six Years Old

Nose:

• Mike: Rye grass, vanilla, pears, white pepper and oak wood.
• Matt: Rye grass, dried apricots, vanilla and black pepper.

Taste:

• Mike: Rye grass, vanilla, green apple, pear, white pepper and oak wood. Tasted with a dried cranberry and the pepper is enhanced. Tasted with a pecan and the vanilla becomes a rich caramel and the pepper becomes black pepper.
• Matt: Rye grass, apricots, dates, vanilla, black pepper and oak wood. The dried cranberry brought out notes of cinnamon and cola. The pecan made the vanilla a rich caramel.

Finish:

• Mike: Medium long with rye grass, oak wood and lingering green apple. The dried cranberry made the finish long and spicy with oak wood and pepper. The pecan made the finish very long and spicy with lots of black pepper.
• Matt: Medium long with oak wood and black pepper. The dried cranberry added cinnamon and leather to the finish. The pecan made the finish long with oak wood, leather and pepper.

I would pair this whiskey with a cigar that is rich in vanilla and chocolate to counteract the spice in the whiskey. I would reach for a My Father The Judge cigar.

Photos Courtesy of Rosemary Miller