Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye 750ML

Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye 750ML 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Ferndale, Michigan, USA  |  Aged in 53-Gallon Barrels  |  Distillery: Valentine Distilling

Production & Heritage

Valentine 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Orange Label Rye

At 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.

• Manhattan: The viscous body and warm oak character give structure and depth to this classic cocktail without being overshadowed by sweet vermouth.
• Sazerac: The pronounced rye spice and earthy finish pair naturally with absinthe and Peychaud's bitters, delivering an assertive backbone.
• Rye Old Fashioned: Fresh orange peel notes in the whiskey mirror the cocktail's citrus garnish, creating a layered, cohesive drink.

Best For

• Rye enthusiasts exploring Michigan's craft distilling scene
• Gifting a whiskey lover who appreciates blended-origin rye
• Upgrading your Manhattan or Sazerac with a higher-proof rye
• Side-by-side tasting sessions comparing craft and sourced rye whiskeys

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Orange Label Rye taste like? 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.

How does Orange Label Rye compare to Bulleit Rye? 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.

Is Orange Label Rye good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Orange Label Rye made? 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.

What foods pair well with Orange Label Rye? 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.

What sizes does Orange Label Rye come in? The standard bottling is available in 750ml.

Is Orange Label Rye worth the price? 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.

Why Orange Label Rye?

The 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.