LIBERTY! LIBERTY! LIBERTY POLE!

The design on these bottles is really nice in person, tough to photograph though.

This in-depth exploration features a uniquely crafted Toasted Pennsylvania Monongahela Rye whiskey from Pittsburgh distillery Liberty Pole Spirits.

One thing I genuinely love about the opportunity to engage with this little corner of the internet is the delightful chance to explore and try things that I don’t easily have access to in my everyday life.

Nowadays, I no longer receive the amount of media samples as I once did, which is, in many ways, due to being thoughtfully critical of the industry when it is warranted. However, when I do receive samples, I typically end up with something quite interesting and unique, each offering a new experience worthy of discussion.

No the couch doesn’t need conditioner, it’s the filter I use that enhances the textures.

First, let’s provide a brief overview. This is a pot still made whiskey that boasts an intriguing mash bill consisting of 61% Pennsylvania rye, 13% malted rye, 13% wheat, and 13% malted barley.

The whiskey spent a total of 3.1 years maturing in barrels before being transferred to a toasted barrel, referred to in the media notes as an un-charred barrel, where it continued to develop its character for an additional year.

Taking that into account, we can summarize the aging process as approximately 4.1 years. The final product comes in at a respectable proof of 107.9.

THE NOSE-

We start with the nose, and immediately, there’s no mistaking this for a pot still made whiskey. The malted rye is very prominent and noticeable, making its presence felt clearly.

Think Old Potrero or 291 meets Willett; there’s a memorable quality to it. It’s got a beer-like scent to it, which I absolutely love. Alongside those aromas, there are some delightful nectarine notes that stood out for me, as well as a touch of French vanilla.

This is a truly fun rye to nose if you’re a rye insaniac like me. The various scents are quite enjoyable and lead to a very interesting flavor journey that compels you to give it time before taking a sip.

You can order Liberty Pole off of their website (not Seelbachs).

THE TASTE-

I’ll begin with saying that this rye will likely not be for everyone. Allow me to explain why this is not at all an indictment of its quality or craftsmanship. This particular expression is an old style rye whiskey, and it is not adulterated or manipulated to be something that it is inherently not.

It’s not intended to turn loyal bourbon advocates into reluctant rye converts. Instead, this rye is exactly what it means to be—authentic and true to its roots. It’s an unapologetic rye whiskey, crafted deliberately for people who appreciate the wide and complex range of flavors and scents that only rye whiskey can uniquely offer. Bourbon simply can’t achieve this diverse profile. Only rye can.

The taste here evokes memories of 291 out of Colorado, but it does so without delivering the overwhelming impact that comes with extremely high proof levels. Instead, it feels more akin to Old Potrero, although the two are not directly related. What stands out in this profile is the presence of malted rye, which truly shines through.

It’s not excessively malty by any means, yet its influence is noticeable. Additionally, there’s a very light, and I do mean light, beer note that, while barely discernible, is nonetheless present and offers a welcome support to the overall richness provided by the non-malted rye in the recipe. This delicate balance showcases the complexity of the spirit.

It took me more than a month to work through this remarkable bottle, savoring its complex flavors over several nights. I aimed to be patient and fully present during each tasting session, allowing myself to take in everything it has to offer.

What I ultimately discovered was that this whiskey serves as a glorious homage to the pre-prohibition style ryes that were once crafted in the northeastern United States. It’s important to note that while it’s not a Kentucky rye (although the Overholt Monongahela is indeed brilliant!), it also does not originate from Indiana. This is home grown Pennsylvania made stuff.

The pot still imparts a distinctively oily texture to the whiskey, which I can only compare to the well-regarded Willett. Through my explorations of various ryes, I have found that Monongahela ryes, like this particular expression, have emerged as one of my favorite styles, and I confidently can say that this one does not disappoint in the slightest.

The complex flavors found here are truly worth taking the time to explore, and I wholeheartedly encourage any whiskey enthusiast to venture into such offerings to not only broaden your knowledge of your own palate but also perhaps uncover a new and exciting obsession along the way.

Did you notice I didn’t land on many tasting notes? There’s a reason for that. There are a lot of them.

November 2022 I got to try this one. Liberty Pole has come a long way.

THE FINSH-

So, how does it finish, you might wonder? The conclusion of this journey is just as important as the beginning and middle, leaving a lasting impression that can linger on and on and on and on.

To some folks, the finish on a whiskey can often be more of an afterthought than a key component of the overall whiskey drinking experience. Reflecting on my days co-hosting @sundaynightfights, Chris and I correctly placed equal weight on the three essential elements: nose, taste, and finish, which at the time wasn't a common approach among many whiskey enthusiasts.

Most people seem to care significantly more about the immediate flavors than the lasting impact of the finish.

Which brings me to the important reason why you should really pay close attention to the finish on this particular offering. Monongahela styled rye typically has a remarkably compelling and satisfying end to the sip.

The malted components integrated into this unique recipe elevate the experience to a whole new level of enjoyment. As the complex flavors wash gently over your tongue and slowly begin to dissipate, this is precisely when the pot still takes center stage and commands your full attention.

The rich oils cling to your throat, initiating a remarkable metamorphosis that comes in exquisite waves. If you give it the time it truly deserves before taking another sip, you will find yourself rewarded with a fascinating array of notes that unfold delicately.

The evolution of flavors is so subtle that I found it necessary to turn off any distractions and just “listen” to the captivating story being told, if that makes sense.

FINAL THOUGHTS-
Any whiskey that makes me pause thoughtfully and truly reflect on its complexities, while also prompting me to avoid the usual clichés of typical tasting notes, is undoubtedly a huge winner for me.

A whiskey that encourages deep contemplation about existence itself, elevating its importance beyond simple dissection or casual description, is rare indeed.

I find this particular whiskey to be a compelling and earnest product, genuinely worthy of occupying a space in my glass repeatedly. It has created such a fascination that my queue of other things to try has backed up into a substantial bottle traffic jam.

This remarkable bottle of rye has taught me some valuable lessons along the way, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.

- Mickey Pinstripe

NOTE- this was a media sample.