{"title":"Mayor Pingree","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"mayor-pingree-red-label-bourbon-750ml","title":"Mayor Pingree Red Label Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMayor Pingree Red Label Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 94-proof (47% ABV) high-rye blended bourbon from Valentine Distilling Co. in Ferndale, Michigan. Released as a batch series, the Red Label line has earned a 91-point score from \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e (Winter 2023) and a 94-point rating from Tastings.com, underscoring its position as one of Michigan's most critically recognized bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Ferndale, Michigan  |  High-Rye Blended Bourbon  |  Distillery: Valentine Distilling Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eValentine Distilling Co., founded in 2007 by Rifino Valentine, operates out of Ferndale, Michigan, and has become one of the state's most acclaimed craft distilleries. Mayor Pingree Red Label combines triple pot-distilled bourbon produced in-house with traditional column-distilled bourbon sourced from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The mashbill features a high-rye grain bill ranging from 27% to 37% rye content, contributing pronounced spice character. What truly distinguishes the Red Label is its barrel program: staves are air-dried for a full 24 months — far exceeding the industry standard of three to six months — and barrels are produced with two different char levels, creating layered oak influence and deeper flavor extraction throughout maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich dark cherries emerge first, followed by buttered popcorn and charred orange peel. A warm undercurrent of honey and honeycomb sweetness rounds out the nose, with cinnamon and clove from the high-rye grain adding complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with butterscotch pudding and apricot fruitiness before transitioning into a harmonious wave of warm baking spices — anise, clove, and allspice dominate the mid-palate. The high rye percentage drives a persistent spiciness that balances against the sweeter caramel and honeycomb notes, while subtle wood influence keeps things grounded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long with a distinctive buttered popcorn quality, trailing into maple sugar and a surprising tropical note of pineapple juice. The dual-char barrel treatment shows itself in lingering toasted oak and gentle sweetness that fades slowly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Mayor Pingree Red Label\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 94 proof, this bourbon drinks well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the fruit and butterscotch notes without diminishing the spice. A few drops of water can accentuate the honeycomb sweetness and soften the rye-driven heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pronounced spice and dark cherry character stand up to bitters and sugar without getting lost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier:\u003c\/strong\u003e The high-rye backbone matches well against Campari's bitterness, while the bourbon's fruit notes complement sweet vermouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGold Rush:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honey syrup and lemon amplify the existing honeycomb and citrus-peel aromatics already present in the whiskey.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBourbon enthusiasts exploring Michigan's craft distilling scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who values unique production techniques and small-batch releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing pot-distilled versus column-distilled bourbon influence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeekend sipping sessions where you want a bourbon with enough complexity to hold your attention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Mayor Pingree Red Label taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mayor Pingree Red Label delivers a rich profile led by butterscotch, dark cherry, and warm baking spices like clove and allspice, with an unexpected buttered popcorn quality on the finish. The high-rye mashbill (27–37% rye) drives noticeable spice throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Mayor Pingree Red Label compare to Woodford Reserve?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both bourbons incorporate pot-distilled spirit, but Mayor Pingree blends pot-distilled and column-distilled bourbons from two different states, while Woodford Reserve uses a triple pot-distilled process entirely at its Kentucky distillery. The Red Label's higher rye content gives it more assertive spice compared to Woodford Reserve's softer, fruit-forward grain character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mayor Pingree Red Label good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 94-proof strength is approachable enough for neat sipping while delivering sufficient intensity and complexity to reward slow, deliberate tasting. The extended stave-seasoning process contributes a refined oak character that avoids harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Mayor Pingree Red Label made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mayor Pingree Red Label is produced by Valentine Distilling Co. in Ferndale, Michigan, which handles the triple pot distillation in-house. The blend also includes column-distilled bourbon from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a region renowned for bourbon production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Mayor Pingree Red Label?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked pork ribs complement the bourbon's charred oak and spice notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese echoes its butterscotch richness. Pecan pie mirrors the maple sugar finish. Dark chocolate with orange amplifies the charred orange peel aromatics. Charcuterie boards with dried stone fruits play well against the apricot and cherry character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Mayor Pingree Red Label come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mayor Pingree Red Label Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mayor Pingree Red Label worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mayor Pingree Red Label positions as a premium craft bourbon, and its 91-point \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e score and labor-intensive production — including 24-month air-dried staves and a pot-still\/column-still blending process — justify its placement above mass-market bourbons in the same proof range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Mayor Pingree Red Label?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 24-month stave air-drying program is the defining detail here — it's four to eight times longer than the industry standard, and the resulting barrel character is evident in every sip. Blending Michigan pot-distilled bourbon with Indiana column-distilled bourbon gives the Red Label a textural complexity that single-process bourbons rarely achieve. A 91-point score from \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e and a 94-point score from Tastings.com confirm that the approach translates into real quality. For drinkers looking beyond Kentucky's established names, this is a high-rye bourbon with genuine craft credentials and documented critical acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mayor Pingree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837944262825,"sku":"35400","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Mayor-Pingree-Red-Label-Bourbon__29976.jpg?v=1730501740"},{"product_id":"mayor-pingree-orange-label-rye-750ml","title":"Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMayor Pingree Orange Label Rye 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 94-proof (47% ABV) American rye whiskey from Valentine Distilling in Ferndale, Michigan, bottled at 750ml. A Gold Medal winner at Whiskies of the World, this expression distinguishes itself by blending sourced MGP rye with Valentine's own triple pot-distilled rye — a dual-origin approach that layers classic rye spice with uncommon fruit-forward complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Ferndale, Michigan, USA  |  Aged in 53-Gallon Barrels  |  Distillery: Valentine Distilling\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eValentine Distilling, founded in 2007 in Ferndale, Michigan, is one of the state's pioneering craft distilleries. The Orange Label Rye uses a high-rye mashbill of approximately 95% rye and 5% malted barley, combining MGP-sourced rye whiskey with Valentine's own rye distilled through a triple pot-still process. An extended fermentation period encourages the development of esters, which contribute the expression's signature fruit notes and honeyed mouthfeel. The whiskey is aged in standard 53-gallon charred oak barrels, resulting in a spirit that balances the precision of Indiana-distilled rye with the character of Michigan pot-still production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Forward rye spice leads immediately, followed by caraway and fennel seed. Deeper layers reveal burnt vanilla, toasted brown bread, dried banana, and under-ripe papaya, with traces of cattail stalks, hayloft, and caramel candy lingering underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is round, smooth, and notably viscous, establishing a savory foundation of warm oak and raw bread dough. At mid-palate, fresh orange peel and brewed tea emerge, bridging sleekly into an abrupt, keynote burst of rye spice that commands attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and pleasantly earthy, with nutty undertones and persistent viscosity. A subtle caramel coating lingers, leaving a clean rye-grain dryness that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Orange Label Rye\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 94 proof, this rye stands up well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens the fruit and caramel notes without suppressing the spice. A few drops of water can further unlock the fennel and papaya aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan:\u003c\/strong\u003e The viscous body and warm oak character give structure and depth to this classic cocktail without being overshadowed by sweet vermouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSazerac:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pronounced rye spice and earthy finish pair naturally with absinthe and Peychaud's bitters, delivering an assertive backbone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRye Old Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh orange peel notes in the whiskey mirror the cocktail's citrus garnish, creating a layered, cohesive drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRye enthusiasts exploring Michigan's craft distilling scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey lover who appreciates blended-origin rye\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpgrading your Manhattan or Sazerac with a higher-proof rye\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tasting sessions comparing craft and sourced rye whiskeys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Orange Label Rye taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye delivers bold rye spice balanced by fresh orange peel, brewed tea, and warm oak, with a smooth, viscous mouthfeel that finishes with earthy caramel and nut tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Orange Label Rye compare to Bulleit Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both use a 95% rye mashbill sourced from MGP, but Mayor Pingree's Orange Label adds Valentine Distilling's own triple pot-distilled rye to the blend, resulting in a more viscous, fruit-forward profile at a higher 94 proof versus Bulleit's 90 proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Orange Label Rye good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 47% ABV hits a sweet spot that delivers full flavor intensity without excessive heat, and the viscous, round mouthfeel makes it particularly enjoyable as a neat pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Orange Label Rye made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Valentine Distilling in Ferndale, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, using a blend of rye whiskey distilled on-site via triple pot stills and rye sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Orange Label Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked pastrami or corned beef plays off the caraway and rye-spice notes. Dark chocolate truffles complement the caramel and vanilla undertones. Sharp aged cheddar mirrors the earthy finish. Grilled stone fruits such as peaches amplify the dried-fruit aromatics. Rye bread with honey butter echoes the grain and sweetness in the whiskey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Orange Label Rye come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is available in 750ml.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Orange Label Rye worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Orange Label Rye positions as a mid-premium craft rye, and the dual-distillery blending approach, higher proof, and Gold Medal recognition from Whiskies of the World give it strong value relative to single-source craft ryes in the same tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Orange Label Rye?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe blending of MGP-sourced rye with Valentine's own triple pot-distilled spirit is not a common practice among craft distillers, and it gives the Orange Label a textural complexity — that viscous, honeyed mouthfeel — that sets it apart from straight MGP bottlings. The Gold Medal at Whiskies of the World and Silver Medal at the ADI International Spirits Competition validate the quality of that approach. At 94 proof, it carries enough weight for cocktails while remaining refined enough for neat exploration. For drinkers who want Michigan craft character backed by established distilling pedigree, this rye earns its place on the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mayor Pingree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837944295593,"sku":"35401","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Mayor-Pingree-Orange-Label-Rye__07496.jpg?v=1730501744"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/mayor-pingree.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}