Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the 90-proof bourbon we’ve been dreaming of since reviving the distillery back in 2014. This one is special. Starting with how we make it. While the vast majority of bourbon distilleries in the United States utilize the sour mash process out of tradition, J. Rieger & Co. is among a small group of pioneers embracing the more innovative use of sweet mash fermentation.
Creating a sweet mash bourbon isn’t easy, but one taste will tell you it’s worth it. While this approach requires more attention to detail, it allows us more flexibility to create the smoothest, most flavorful whiskey. Next, we employ a unique two-step distillation process that leverages both our pot still and our column still. Again, this process takes more time but affords our distillers more control to create a whiskey with the ultimate mouthfeel and texture, heightening the richness and depth of flavor.
Finally, it’s into the barrel for at least four years of aging in our Kansas City rickhouse for even more character and layering of flavors. The result? A spectacularly delicious, easy-drinking, and approachable bourbon.
OUR PROCESS
We start with the same mashbill as our bottled in bond bourbon – 56% corn, 30% rye, 14% malted barley. Then we employ an innovative sweet mash fermentation process to create the smoothest, most flavorful whiskey. Next up is a unique two-step distillation process that leverages both our pot still and our column still, imparting the ultimate mouthfeel and texture to this spirit, heightening the richness and depth of flavor. Finally, we barrel age it for at least four years of aging in our Kansas City rickhouse for even more character and layering of flavors.
