Overholt Releases Rye Whiskey ‘Engrained in American History’ With a Mashbill That Dates Back to 1810

Beam Suntory released A. Overholt Rye, a whiskey with a mashbill that dates back to the 1800s. (Photo: Overholt)

The Beam Suntory-owned whiskey brand, Overholt, announced the release of A. Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey on Wednesday. According to the brand, the whiskey is distilled from the mashbill Abraham Overhault used in 1810 — a mixture of 80% rye grain and 20% soft malted barley, replicating rye whiskey enjoyed in the 1800s.

“With over 200 years of exceptional craftsmanship, Overholt is engrained in American history with its industrial roots and as a spirit that has set the industry standard since inception,” Freddie Noe said in a news release. “The newest launch of A. Overholt is the result of highly crafted whiskey, informed and inspired by generational expertise, and I’m honored to steward this brand forward while paying homage to its past and our shared commitment to American whiskey innovation.”

The whiskey hosts a suggested retail price of $39.99 and an ABV of 47.5%.

Overholt was one of the few spirits brands to survive Prohibition, and Beam Suntory described the brand as “a keystone of American rye whiskey.” The brand is considered the oldest whiskey within the Beam portfolio, and its claim to fame stems from focusing on crafting Pennsylvania-style rye.

Overholt experienced its highs and lows over its long lifespan, and the brand changed hands multiple times throughout the years.

After Abraham Overholt died, the brand remained in the family, passed down for generations to his grandson, Henry Clay Frick. The brand’s whiskey is currently made at Beam’s Clermont facility in Kentucky.

In November, Old Overholt released a limited-edition 10-year-old cask-strength rye whiskey, which had a suggested retail price of $100. In an interesting production twist, the rye whiskey was aged in an escalator-style warehouse, which moved the barrels around as they matured.

A. Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Sandalwood, caraway spice and caramel.

Taste: Clove spice, browned butter and honeysuckle.

Finish: Rich baking spices segue into a pleasant and lengthy finish.

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