Rittenhouse 10-Year United States 250th Anniversary Edition Rye
The Stats
- Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
- Location: Bardstown, Kentucky
- Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
- Style: Bottled in Bond
- Proof: 100 Proof
- Age: 10 Years
- Mash Bill: 51% Rye / 35% Corn / 14% Malted Barley
- Release: Limited Edition (2026)
- MSRP: $100
CLICK THE VIDEO TO PLAY ↓
Some commemorative releases exist because the calendar says they should. Others feel like they actually have something worth celebrating.
Rittenhouse 10-Year United States 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition falls into the second camp. Released to honor America’s 250th birthday, it also celebrates something many bourbon drinkers tend to forget: before bourbon became America’s native spirit, rye helped build American whiskey.
Fortunately, this isn’t just a history lesson in a special bottle. It’s an excellent rye that proves why the style has remained relevant for generations.
The Whiskey Behind the Bottle
Rittenhouse has long been a benchmark name in American rye. Its standard Bottled in Bond expression has earned a loyal following thanks to its value and versatility, especially in classic cocktails, but this limited release takes that familiar profile in a new direction.
Aged for 10 years and bottled at 100 proof, it retains Rittenhouse’s barely legal rye mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. That recipe has always balanced rye spice with a healthy dose of sweetness, and the extra years in the barrel allow that familiar profile to develop into something far more layered than the everyday release.
Rather than trying to overwhelm you with spice or oak, this whiskey leans into balance. Every sip feels mature, composed, and well integrated.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The nose is bright, fresh, and unexpectedly summery. Fresh mint, citrus, and mixed berries arrive first, followed by a strawberry-lemonade character that immediately catches our attention. There’s a clean herbal freshness running through the glass that keeps everything fresh without becoming grassy or medicinal.
As it opens, those brighter aromas begin to reveal a little more depth. The fruit becomes richer, the sweetness softens, and the whiskey hints at the maturity waiting underneath.
Taste
The palate takes the whiskey in an entirely different direction. The fresh citrus and mint from the nose give way to darker, richer flavors of black cherry, blackberry, burnt sugar, and caramelized fruit. A touch of citrus lingers in the background, adding just enough brightness to keep the whiskey from becoming heavy.
What impressed us most was how the profile evolved with each sip. The fruit became deeper, the sweetness more rounded, and the rye spice quietly tied everything together without ever demanding center stage. It’s a whiskey that rewards slowing down.
Finish
The finish is long, balanced, and refined. Dark fruit gradually fades into gentle rye spice, caramelized sugar, and well-aged oak. Nothing feels rushed or overly aggressive. Instead, the flavors linger comfortably, leaving a finish that encourages one more sip simply to experience it again.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
9 / 10 - Excellent
Rittenhouse 10-Year is exactly what we’d hope for from a commemorative release. It never leans on its age statement or limited availability to justify the price. Instead, it earns its reputation with a profile that’s mature, balanced, and consistently rewarding from the first sip to the last.
Rittenhouse is proof that rye doesn’t have to shout to stand out. It delivers depth without becoming overly oaky, spice without overwhelming the palate, and enough nuance to keep you coming back for another sip. That’s exactly what we look for in a special release.
Buy or Skip:
Buy
Rittenhouse 10-Year is a bottle we’d happily recommend to both bourbon and rye drinkers. It strikes a rare balance between approachability and complexity, making it just as enjoyable for someone exploring rye as it is for longtime fans of the category. If you’re chasing barrel-proof intensity, there are bolder options available. But if you’re looking for a whiskey that rewards your attention without demanding it, this bottle absolutely delivers.
Continue Exploring
Rittenhouse 10-Year was one of four special releases we tasted while celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Read our reviews to see how they compare:
Peg Leg Porker Spirit of America Bottled in Bond →
Evan Williams America 250 Single Barrel →
Or see where every bottle lands on our complete Whiskey Rankings →
Related Reviews We Think You’ll Enjoy
Shop the Artfully Bourbon Mercantile
Bold look. Neat fit.
The Flat Bill Snapback brings a modern edge to classic bourbon style. With its high-profile, structured design and crisp flat bill, this cap is made for those who like their statements unfiltered. Whether you’re repping Artfully Bourbon at a tasting, behind the bar, or just out on the town, this hat delivers a confident, clean finish every time.
Product Features
80% acrylic / 20% wool blend for structure and comfort (white variant: 100% acrylic)
Structured, 6-panel, high-profile design
Flat bill with a classic green undervisor
6 embroidered eyelets for breathability
Adjustable plastic snap closure for a perfect fit
Embroidered for durability and detail
Sourced from: Vietnam or Bangladesh
