Hochstadter’s Slow and Low Rock & Rye

Product of: United States

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Named after the original 19th century Hochstadter's Rock and Rye, Slow and Low is based on 6 year old straight rye whiskey macerated with lemon, grapefruit and orange peels, cane sugar, honey and horehound (Marrubium). Slow and Low packs a citrusy punch at whopping 49% alcohol.

Hochstadter’s Slow and Low is made in Philadelphia by Robert Cooper of St-Germain fame. Rob’s grandfather produced a similar Rock & Rye and the stylistically old-fashioned packaging for Slow and Low in a square stubby bottle with wide twisted neck borrows some design cues from his family’s product.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 19/05/2013

Appearance:

Clear, golden amber.

Aroma:

Lemon, orange and grapefruit zest rises from a heady base of delicately oaky spiced whiskey. Think cigar box packed with citrus zest, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Taste:

The entry is initially sweet until the full force of the 49% spirit comes into play with a spicy citrus kick. Sour, almost bitter, citrus oils are sweetened with honeyed notes forming oleo-saccharum flavours that mask all but the spice of the rye.

Aftertaste:

Long citrus oil finish with lingering rye spice. Overly powerful citrus oils dominate from nose to finish. This rock and rye is low on ‘rock’ (sugar) which for the sake of our waistlines is a good thing but a tad more sugar would have helped balance the citrus and amplify the rye. However, worthy of a cry “Rock & Rye baby!”