The Senator Rye Whiskey 750ML is a barrel proof, small batch rye whiskey bottled at full cask strength in a 750ml bottle, with ABV varying by batch (typically 56–61% ABV). A Double Gold Medal winner at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the ADI International Spirits Competition, this expression has earned serious recognition among American rye enthusiasts.Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by batch (56–61%) | Origin: Indiana / Kentucky, USA | Aged 6+ Years | Distillery: MGP (Indiana), Bottled by Proof and Wood Ventures (Bardstown, KY)Production & HeritageThe Senator is the creation of Dave Schmier, who previously founded Redemption Rye — one of the first widely recognized independently bottled MGP rye brands. Distilled at MGP's Lawrenceburg, Indiana facility using a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill, the whiskey matures for a minimum of six years in new American oak barrels. Each release is a small batch mingling of 10 to 20 select barrels, bottled at the exact proof at which they exit the cask with no chill filtration — a deliberate choice that preserves the full body and oil content of the spirit.Tasting NotesAroma: Orange blossom opens the nose, followed by raspberry tart, cherry, and dried currants. Deeper layers reveal leather, drying tobacco, and a sweet herbal potpourri quality that adds complexity.Taste: The entry is warm and assertive at barrel proof, leading into a nutty mid-palate layered with toffee, butterscotch, and orange peel. Herbal notes and light tobacco emerge alongside rye spice, while the addition of a few drops of water draws out chocolate brownie and blackberry flavors.Finish: Medium in length, the finish centers on toasted almonds and lingering rye spice. There is a pleasant dryness that keeps it from feeling overly sweet, encouraging another sip.How to Drink The SenatorAt barrel proof, a splash of water is recommended to open the full range of flavors — start with a few drops and adjust to your preference. The whiskey also stands up well neat for those who enjoy full-strength rye. For cocktails, its concentrated profile makes it a strong base: Sazerac: The 95% rye mashbill and barrel proof intensity were practically designed for this classic New Orleans cocktail. Manhattan: Toffee and orange peel notes harmonize naturally with sweet vermouth and bitters. Vieux Carré: The tobacco and herbal complexity adds serious depth to this multi-spirit cocktail. Best For Gifting a dedicated rye whiskey collector looking for barrel proof releases Side-by-side tastings comparing different MGP-sourced rye expressions Building a home bar anchored by a high-proof, versatile American rye Special occasion pours where full-strength whiskey signals seriousness Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does The Senator taste like? The Senator delivers toffee, orange peel, and nutty flavors wrapped in assertive rye spice, with secondary notes of leather, tobacco, and dark fruit. Water opens up chocolate and blackberry undertones.How does The Senator compare to Redemption Rye? Both brands share the same founder, Dave Schmier, and the same MGP 95/5 rye mashbill, but The Senator is aged longer (6+ years vs. Redemption's typical 2–4 years), bottled at barrel proof, and non-chill filtered — resulting in a richer and more concentrated experience.Is The Senator good for sipping neat? Yes, though its barrel proof strength (ranging from roughly 112 to 121 proof depending on the batch) benefits from a small amount of water to open the full spectrum of flavors without overwhelming the palate.Where is The Senator made? The Senator is distilled at MGP's distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific rye whiskey producers in the United States. It is bottled by Proof and Wood Ventures in Bardstown, Kentucky.What foods pair well with The Senator? Smoked brisket brings out the tobacco and leather notes; aged cheddar complements the toffee and butterscotch; dark chocolate aligns with the cocoa undertones; charcuterie with dried fruit echoes the cherry and currant aromatics; and pecan pie mirrors the nutty, toasted almond finish.What sizes does The Senator come in? The Senator Rye Whiskey is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is The Senator worth the price? The Senator positions as a premium small batch barrel proof rye. Its six-plus years of aging, non-chill filtered bottling at cask strength, and Double Gold medals at two major competitions place it above entry-level ryes and into territory that rewards serious whiskey drinkers willing to invest in quality.Why The Senator?What separates The Senator from the crowded field of MGP-sourced ryes is the combination of extended aging, barrel proof bottling, and non-chill filtration — a trifecta that many brands in this category do not deliver simultaneously. The small batch approach of mingling just 10 to 20 barrels per release ensures each batch has a distinct character while maintaining consistency. Double Gold medals from both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the ADI International Spirits Competition validate the quality beyond marketing claims. For anyone who appreciates the classic 95/5 MGP rye profile but wants it with more maturity and at full strength, this expression represents one of the most focused and uncompromising versions available.
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