We turn our attention to Rieger’s Monogram Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 51.5% ABV). At $129.99/750 ml, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
Deep, dark maple in color with medium viscosity. Straight away I got an intense sulfurous odor on the nose of an unlit matchstick. It was not a pleasant introduction and unfortunately didnt dissipate the longer I left the whiskey to breathe. I did attempt to pick out other notes and got hints of brown sugar and plum, along with more bitter nuts, like an almond skin. couldnt be ignored throughout, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. Riegers Monogram Straight Bourbon (image. via Jerry Jenae Sampson/Whiskeyful) Tasting Notes: Riegers Monogram Straight Bourbon Whiskey Vital Stats: Bottled at 103 proof (51.5% ABV). Blend of straight bourbon whiskeys between 6.5 and 10.5 years old. Finished up to 48 months in nearly 100-year-old Oloroso sherry botas that previously held Williams & Humbert Drysack 15-year Oloroso Especial. Production of 1,887 bottles. SRP $129.99/750 ml. Appearance: Deep, dark maple in color with medium viscosity. Nose: Straight away I got an intense sulfurous odor on the nose of an unlit matchstick. It was not a pleasant introduction and unfortunately didnt dissipate the longer I left the whiskey to breathe. I did attempt to pick out other notes and got hints of brown sugar and plum, along with more bitter nuts, like an almond skin. Palate: While the nose was jarring, the whiskey itself is subdued, with notes of bitter citrus peel and a meatier essence, some savory spices and cranberry, with kind of a chemical aftertaste that lasts too long to be enjoyable.
Palate
I was surprised at how little this whiskey appealed to me. I tend to rarely be disappointed with bourbon but found Riegers Monogram to be too bitter and chemical tasting to really enjoy. I may enjoy this in a Manhattan, or a similar cocktail that adds some natural sweetness to the whiskey, as I felt that was missing from the spirit.
Finish
Bottled at 103 proof (51.5% ABV). Blend of straight bourbon whiskeys between 6.5 and 10.5 years old. Finished up to 48 months in nearly 100-year-old Oloroso sherry botas that previously held Williams & Humbert Drysack 15-year Oloroso Especial. Production of 1,887 bottles. SRP $129.99/750 ml. Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Rieger’s Monogram Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a modest offering that, at $129.99/750 ml, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
