Hughes Belle Of Bedford 6 Year Rye 750ML

Hughes Belle Of Bedford 6 Year Rye 750ML is a 104-proof (52% ABV) straight rye whiskey aged six years, bottled at 750ml without chill filtration. What distinguishes this expression is its direct lineage to the historic Hughes Brothers' Distillery of Bedford County, Pennsylvania — revived by the founders' great-great grandson, Cyrus Kehyari, and proofed with Allegheny Mountain spring water drawn from the original family estate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 52% (104 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana (USA)  |  Age: 6 Years  |  Distillery: MGP (sourced), Hughes brand

Production & Heritage

The Hughes Brothers' Distillery was once a prominent name in Pennsylvania rye whiskey, and the Belle of Bedford label represents Cyrus Kehyari's effort to stay as faithful to the original recipe as possible. The liquid is distilled at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill — one of MGP's flagship grain recipes. It matures for six years in char #4 new American oak barrels, then is proofed down to 104 proof using Allegheny Mountain spring water sourced from the Hughes family estate in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and bottled without chill filtration. Notably, reviewers have identified these as barrels previously selected by Willett, adding another layer of provenance to an already storied sourcing approach.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with creamy vanilla and light butterscotch before revealing layers of dill, star anise, and warm caramel. There is a gentle spice undercurrent that signals the high rye content without overwhelming the sweeter aromatics.

Taste: Entry is rich and slightly viscous, carrying brown sugar and butterscotch into a mid-palate dominated by bold rye spice and demerara sugar. Roasted coffee and hints of espresso emerge toward the peak, balanced by a persistent sweetness that keeps the 104 proof remarkably approachable.

Finish: Long and assertively spicy, with pronounced rye grain character, a touch of charred oak, and wisps of light smoke. The non-chill filtered body gives the finish a lingering, oily texture that rewards patience.

How to Drink Belle of Bedford

At 104 proof, this rye benefits from a few minutes of rest in the glass neat, or a single large ice cube to gradually open the deeper coffee and spice notes. Its high-proof backbone and full body also make it an exceptional cocktail base. A Manhattan gains depth from the butterscotch and charred oak character. A Sazerac pairs naturally with the dill and anise aromatics already present in the spirit. A Vieux Carré leverages the roasted coffee notes to complement the cocktail's vermouth and Bénédictine components.

Best For

• Rye whiskey enthusiasts exploring high-quality MGP single-barrel or small-batch selections
• Gifting to someone who appreciates American whiskey heritage and family-revival stories
• Building a Manhattan flight comparing different proof points and age statements
• Side-by-side tastings with other MGP-sourced ryes like Willett or Smooth Ambler

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Belle of Bedford taste like? Belle of Bedford delivers bold rye spice, brown sugar, and roasted coffee supported by creamy vanilla and butterscotch, finishing long with charred oak and light smoke. The non-chill filtered bottling at 104 proof gives it a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel.

How does Belle of Bedford compare to Willett Rye? Both are sourced from MGP's 95/5 rye mashbill, and reviewers have noted that Hughes barrels were previously selected by Willett. The key differences are that Willett's rye expressions are typically older (around 8 years) and bottled at cask strength, whereas Belle of Bedford is a 6-year expression proofed to 104 with Allegheny Mountain spring water.

Is Belle of Bedford good for sipping neat? Yes — while 104 proof carries real heat, the non-chill filtered body and six years of char #4 barrel aging produce enough richness and complexity to reward neat drinking, especially after a brief rest in the glass.

Where is Belle of Bedford made? The whiskey is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then proofed and bottled under the Hughes brand using Allegheny Mountain spring water from the Hughes family estate in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

What foods pair well with Belle of Bedford? Smoked brisket complements the charred oak and light smoke notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the roasted coffee and espresso character. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts nicely with the butterscotch sweetness. Pecan pie echoes the brown sugar and caramel aromatics. Charcuterie with cured meats and whole-grain mustard plays well against the assertive rye spice.

What sizes does Belle of Bedford come in? The standard release is available in 750ml bottles.

Is Belle of Bedford worth the price? Belle of Bedford positions as a premium sourced rye, justified by its six-year age statement, 104-proof bottling, non-chill filtration, and the distinctive proofing water from the Hughes family estate — details that place it above entry-level MGP-sourced expressions and in conversation with more established independent bottlers.

Why Belle of Bedford?

In a crowded field of MGP-sourced rye whiskeys, Belle of Bedford distinguishes itself through provenance and intentionality. The decision to proof with Allegheny Mountain spring water from the original Hughes family property in Bedford County is not merely cosmetic — it ties the liquid to a specific place and a specific family lineage stretching back generations. The barrels themselves carry additional pedigree, having been previously selected by Willett, one of the most respected names in American whiskey sourcing. At 104 proof and non-chill filtered, the bottling philosophy prioritizes flavor density and texture over easy approachability, resulting in a rye that stands on its own merits rather than leaning solely on MGP's reputation.