The New York Distilling Company’s newest release aims to capture the history and flavour of its home. Made with an heirloom variety of rye native to New York, Jaywalk Rye was an exercise in patience for the Allen Katz and Tom Potter, who founded the distillery in 2011.
Collaborating with experts at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture, the distillery team researched and experimented with rye varieties with roots in New York. They decided on Horton rye, which has origins dating back to 17th century New York.
The distillery then partnered with the Pedersen Family Farm in Seneca Falls to grow the rye. Katz shares: “We started in a series of ceramic pots, moved to a greenhouse and then to field tests. In all, it took 5 years just to have enough rye to start distilling.”
Distilling, maturing and blending led to the creation of the Jaywalk Straight Rye. In this blend, “We bring forward flavors beyond the generic ‘spice’ too easily associated with contemporary rye whiskies,” says Katz. “The use of Horton Rye in every blend affords a focus on darker caramelized sugars and a subtle range of tropical fruits from candied pineapple and mango on the palete and honeyed notes of ripe apricot on the nose .”
Two more whiskeys join the Straight Rye under the Jaywalk brand, both built on Horton rye. Jaywalk Bonded Rye is a blend of 7-year-old whiskeys, and Jaywalk Heirloom Rye is an annual selection of single barrel rye, bottled at cask strength.
With the Jaywalk series, Katz and Potter aim to capture the essence of New York City. As Katz observes: “New Yorkers are dreamers. Whether you’re born here or feel compelled to make this city your home, we share a drive to find joy in personal creativity, our own as well as others. It’s not a city for everyone.”
For more information, visit jaywalkrye.com.
Collaborating with experts at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture, the distillery team researched and experimented with rye varieties with roots in New York. They decided on Horton rye, which has origins dating back to 17th century New York.
The distillery then partnered with the Pedersen Family Farm in Seneca Falls to grow the rye. Katz shares: “We started in a series of ceramic pots, moved to a greenhouse and then to field tests. In all, it took 5 years just to have enough rye to start distilling.”
Distilling, maturing and blending led to the creation of the Jaywalk Straight Rye. In this blend, “We bring forward flavors beyond the generic ‘spice’ too easily associated with contemporary rye whiskies,” says Katz. “The use of Horton Rye in every blend affords a focus on darker caramelized sugars and a subtle range of tropical fruits from candied pineapple and mango on the palete and honeyed notes of ripe apricot on the nose .”
Two more whiskeys join the Straight Rye under the Jaywalk brand, both built on Horton rye. Jaywalk Bonded Rye is a blend of 7-year-old whiskeys, and Jaywalk Heirloom Rye is an annual selection of single barrel rye, bottled at cask strength.
With the Jaywalk series, Katz and Potter aim to capture the essence of New York City. As Katz observes: “New Yorkers are dreamers. Whether you’re born here or feel compelled to make this city your home, we share a drive to find joy in personal creativity, our own as well as others. It’s not a city for everyone.”
For more information, visit jaywalkrye.com.
