Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye 750ML

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye 750ML is a 100% organic rye whiskey from Purcellville, Virginia, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). This grain-to-glass expression earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2020 and a Double Gold at the 2018 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, establishing it as one of the most decorated craft rye whiskeys produced on the East Coast.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Purcellville, Virginia, USA  |  Approximately 2 Years Old  |  Distillery: Catoctin Creek Distilling

Production & Heritage

Catoctin Creek Distilling operates in Purcellville, Virginia, in the heart of Loudoun County, where they mash, ferment, distill, and age every drop on-site. Roundstone Rye uses a 100% organic rye grain mashbill — a significant departure from the legal minimum of 51% rye that most American rye whiskeys employ — sourced locally when available. The spirit is pot-distilled and matured for approximately two years in new charred white oak casks, producing a whiskey that recalls pre-Prohibition Virginia rye traditions when 100% rye mashbills were standard practice.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rye grass and lemongrass open the nose, followed by buttered pecans, vanilla, and a subtle hint of lemon zest. Rich caramel and butter toffee develop as the whiskey opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is smooth and surprisingly warm, with a buttery texture that coats the palate. Mid-palate, the full-bodied rye character emerges alongside baking spices, dried fruit, and banana pudding. A distinct cereal grain quality and spirity vanilla carry through to the peak, with a grapey warmth that has drawn comparisons to Armagnac.

Finish: Medium in length with a gentle spiciness that reveals the whiskey's rye backbone. Lingering notes of raw wood, caramel, and rye grassiness fade slowly.

How to Drink Roundstone Rye

Neat or with a few drops of water is the best starting point — the organic rye grain character is nuanced enough at 80 proof to reward patient sipping without needing dilution. The buttery, spice-forward profile also makes it a strong cocktail base. A Manhattan benefits from the full rye grain intensity and caramel sweetness. A Sazerac pairs well here because the lemongrass and baking spice notes complement absinthe's herbal quality. An Old Fashioned lets the butter toffee and dried fruit notes stand front and center with just a touch of sugar and bitters.

Best For

• Introducing someone to craft American rye whiskey with a quality benchmark
• Building a home bar focused on grain-to-glass and organic spirits
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values small-batch, single-distillery production
• Exploring pre-Prohibition-style 100% rye mashbill whiskeys

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Roundstone Rye taste like? Roundstone Rye delivers a buttery, full-bodied palate of caramel, baking spices, and dried fruit, anchored by the assertive grain character of 100% organic rye. The finish carries gentle spice, raw wood, and a lingering rye grassiness.

How does Roundstone Rye compare to WhistlePig 10 Year? Both are 100% rye mashbill whiskeys, but they occupy different tiers — WhistlePig 10 Year is aged significantly longer and bottled at a higher proof, resulting in a more oak-driven, concentrated profile. Roundstone Rye is younger, lighter in body, and emphasizes fresh rye grain character and buttery sweetness at a more accessible price point.

Is Roundstone Rye good for sipping neat? Yes, its 80-proof bottling strength and smooth, buttery texture make it approachable neat. The 100% rye mashbill provides enough complexity and spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming heat.

Where is Roundstone Rye made? Roundstone Rye is made entirely at Catoctin Creek Distilling in Purcellville, Virginia, located in Loudoun County. Every stage of production — mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging — takes place at the distillery.

What foods pair well with Roundstone Rye? Smoked pork or barbecue ribs complement the caramel and wood notes. Sharp aged cheddar mirrors the buttery richness. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, toffee aromas. Dark chocolate with sea salt balances the rye spice. Apple-based desserts like tarte tatin harmonize with the whiskey's fruity and vanilla qualities.

What sizes does Roundstone Rye come in? Roundstone Rye is available in the standard 750ml bottle size, and Catoctin Creek has also offered 92-proof and cask-strength variants under the Roundstone Rye label.

Is Roundstone Rye worth the price? Roundstone Rye positions as a mid-range craft rye whiskey, priced above mass-market ryes but justified by its certified organic grain, grain-to-glass production, and strong critical recognition including 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Why Roundstone Rye?

The 100% organic rye mashbill is the clearest differentiator — while most American rye whiskeys rely on corn or malted barley to round out their grain bill, Roundstone uses nothing but rye, and certified organic rye at that. The grain-to-glass production at a single Virginia distillery means complete control from raw grain to finished bottle, which is still uncommon even among craft producers. A 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and a Double Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition back up the quality with independent verification. For anyone seeking a rye whiskey that tastes distinctly of its primary grain rather than the oak barrel or blending choices, Roundstone Rye delivers that transparency with genuine craft credentials behind it.