There's something genuinely exciting about American craft rye whisky done with conviction, and Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye 92 Proof is exactly that. Bottled at 46% ABV — that 92 proof sweet spot — this is a rye that announces itself without shouting. It's NAS, which in the craft world often means the distiller is blending for flavour profile rather than chasing an age statement, and honestly, I think that's the right call here.
What drew me to Roundstone Rye in the first place is the commitment to the category. The name tells you what you need to know: this is rye whisky, built around that grain's naturally spicy, herbal character. At 46% ABV, you're getting enough proof to carry serious flavour without the burn that puts off newer drinkers. It's a smart bottling strength — strong enough to stand up in cocktails, gentle enough to sip neat without wincing.
Tasting Notes
I don't have my detailed tasting notes to hand for this one, but I can tell you what to expect from a well-made rye at this proof point. Rye grain brings a drier, more assertive profile than bourbon's corn-led sweetness. Think baking spices, pepper, maybe some herbal or grassy qualities depending on the mashbill composition. At 92 proof, those flavours should come through cleanly without excessive heat. If you're used to bourbon and haven't spent much time with straight rye, this is the kind of bottle that shows you what the grain can do on its own terms.
The Verdict
At £55.95, Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye sits in competitive territory. You're paying a premium over mass-market ryes, but you're also getting a craft product bottled at a proper strength. For me, the 46% ABV is a real selling point — too many craft distillers either bottle too low and lose character, or go cask strength and price themselves out of everyday drinking. Roundstone finds the middle ground. A 7.9 out of 10 feels right here. It's a confident, well-positioned rye that does what it sets out to do. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, and it doesn't need to. It's a solid, drinkable American rye at a fair price point, and that's worth your attention.
Best Served
This is a bottle I'd reach for when making a Manhattan. Rye is the original base spirit for that cocktail, and at 92 proof, Roundstone has the backbone to stand up to sweet vermouth without getting lost. Two parts rye, one part sweet vermouth, a couple dashes of Angostura, stirred over ice and strained into a coupe. The rye's natural spice plays brilliantly against the vermouth's richness. If cocktails aren't your thing, try it neat with a few drops of water — that 46% opens up nicely with just a little dilution. Either way, this is a whisky that rewards attention without demanding ceremony.
