An American Spirit

Turn of the 19^th Century

While Bourbon is known as America's Native Spirit, there's another category of whiskey whose roots run deep: Rye Whiskey. The history of rye is tied to the decline of rum production. In the early nineteenth century, an embargo on trade with the French and British territories further hurt the already weakened rum market, and American whiskey was there to fill the gap.

Scot-Irish immigrants who had settled around Maryland and Pennsylvania had brought barley and a knowledge of distillation with them. Since rye was the primary grain grown in the region, along with some corn, distillers in this area became the premiere producers of Rye Whiskey.

Over time, two distinct styles developed. While Maryland-style ryes generally have a softer, grassy flavor, Pennsylvania-style ryes—sometimes referred to as Old Monongahela ryes—are known for their spicy, robust flavors. Both styles proliferated prior to Prohibition, with hundreds of distilleries operating in the region.

While Bourbon is known as America's Native Spirit, there's another category of whiskey whose roots run deep: Rye Whiskey. The history of rye is tied to the decline of rum production. In the early nineteenth century, an embargo on trade with the French and British territories further hurt the already weakened rum market, and American whiskey was there to fill the gap.

Scot-Irish immigrants who had settled around Maryland and Pennsylvania had brought barley and a knowledge of distillation with them. Since rye was the primary grain grown in the region, along with some corn, distillers in this area became the premiere producers of Rye Whiskey.

Over time, two distinct styles developed. While Maryland-style ryes generally have a softer, grassy flavor, Pennsylvania-style ryes—sometimes referred to as Old Monongahela ryes—are known for their spicy, robust flavors. Both styles proliferated prior to Prohibition, with hundreds of distilleries operating in the region.

A Choice Pennsylvania Rye

Post-Prohibition

In 1934, after the end of Prohibition, Rittenhouse Square Straight Rye Whisky was introduced by The Continental Distilling Corporation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Named after Philadelphia's historic Rittenhouse Square, this 100 proof, 2-year-old Rye Whisky offered a rich, full-bodied and mellow profile. It quickly gained popularity as a “Choice Pennsylvania Rye.”

In 1948, after years of wartime shortages and production stoppages, The Continental Distilling Corporation dropped “Square” from Rittenhouse’s name and reintroduced it as a 4-year-old Bottled-in-Bond.

In 1934, after the end of Prohibition, Rittenhouse Square Straight Rye Whisky was introduced by The Continental Distilling Corporation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Named after Philadelphia's historic Rittenhouse Square, this 100 proof, 2-year-old Rye Whisky offered a rich, full-bodied and mellow profile. It quickly gained popularity as a “Choice Pennsylvania Rye.”

In 1948, after years of wartime shortages and production stoppages, The Continental Distilling Corporation dropped “Square” from Rittenhouse’s name and reintroduced it as a 4-year-old Bottled-in-Bond.

The Classic Cocktail Revival

Turn of the 21^st Century

In 1999, Heaven Hill Distillery purchased the Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky brand, and kept it alive during a time when the popularity of whiskey was in decline. Then came the 2000s. Starting in New York City, a cocktail Renaissance resurfaced classic recipes to spirits fans. Bartenders looking to keep their beverage programs true to history turned to cocktail books dating back to the mid-1800s. These books featured rye, not Bourbon, and the former surged in popularity.

At the time, Rittenhouse was the only Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey on the market, and at 100 proof, it held up well when mixed in cocktails. It was also well balanced, and the high percentage of corn in the mashbill made it easy to enjoy for those who were new to the category. It quickly became a must-have spirit for many craft cocktail programs.

In 1999, Heaven Hill Distillery purchased the Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky brand, and kept it alive during a time when the popularity of whiskey was in decline. Then came the 2000s. Starting in New York City, a cocktail Renaissance resurfaced classic recipes to spirits fans. Bartenders looking to keep their beverage programs true to history turned to cocktail books dating back to the mid-1800s. These books featured rye, not Bourbon, and the former surged in popularity.

At the time, Rittenhouse was the only Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey on the market, and at 100 proof, it held up well when mixed in cocktails. It was also well balanced, and the high percentage of corn in the mashbill made it easy to enjoy for those who were new to the category. It quickly became a must-have spirit for many craft cocktail programs.

Rittenhouse Continues to Rise

2020s and Beyond

Today, the popularity of Rye Whiskey is still on the upswing, and Rittenhouse Rye continues to gain new fans while maintaining its loyal following that respects its heritage and quality. At Heaven Hill Distillery, we understand the importance of preserving the storied past of this historic brand and keeping the traditions of American Rye Whiskey alive. And we’re proud to be part of the legacy of one of the only original Rye Whiskey brands that remains in existence.