J. Rieger & Co. 2023 Monogram Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve at 50% ABV, mash bill: undisclosed, SRP $130/ 750ml b — at $130/ 750ml bottle, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
This is moderate amber in color with a brown undertone. I love oxidized Sherry. I love whiskey. I loved Riegers Bourbon. I do not love this. Settling on a score for this bottling was particularly challenging. It rates high in complexity and length on the finish. Aromatically, it wavers back and forth between whiskey and Sherry. Its fascinating, but I just dont enjoy the combination of flavors.
Palate
On the palate, this is moderate in body with moderate astringency and a fiery finish. The flavors are mostly from the Sherry: toasted pecans, oxidized apple core, yellow peaches, and toasted coconut. Sipping, the shoe polish note comes through again with light notes of orchard fruits, lemon zest, and golden raisins. The finish is long and lingering with notes of yellow plums, graham crackers, pencil shavings, and campfire smoke. Fortunately, the sulfur note has blown off after I allowed the bottle to sit undisturbed for several days. There was a thick swirl of precipitates in my sample bottle that settled to the bottom. Usually, I am not bothered by sediment, but this significantly altered the taste. 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.
Finish
Aged in new American oak and finished for up to four years in 50-100 year-old oloroso Sherry casks, 50% ABV, mash bill: undisclosed, SRP $130/ 750ml bottle.
The Bottom Line
J. Rieger & Co. 2023 Monogram Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve is fine — not bad, not great, just fine. At $130/ 750ml bottle, I think there are better options in this range if you are willing to look around.
