Stoll & Wolfe Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey is a mix of old and new. Created and distilled by legendary distiller Dick Stoll, this sweet mash rye is aged in 30 gallon barrels by the upstart Stoll & Wolfe Distillery. If the name Dick Stoll rings a bell, that’s because Mr. Stoll was the last master distiller at Pennsylvania’s Michter’s where he also distilled bourbon for the A.H. Hirsch Bourbon brand. He was trained by Charles Everett Beam who was the grandnephew of the legendary Jim Beam himself. Currently the Stoll & Wolfe Rye is mainly sold in the distillery tasting room in Lititz, PA. The bottle that was tasted is from Batch 1117.

Sweet notes of honey, vanilla, and orange rind lay on top of a large dose of rye grain. Beneath these lie distinct hits of corn and oak which come with the territory of this young whiskey. Rye and honey carry through to the palate and dominate the experience along with a dash of cinnamon. The sweet spiciness is mellowed out by the new oak layer that mingles with it. The finish brings about a lingering mixture of rye spice, honey, and hints of sweet orange and dry leather.

The old adage that there’s no substitute for experience clearly holds true as Stoll & Wolfe Pennsylvania Rye shows a ton of potential for such a young whiskey. Dick Stoll’s knowledge and experience has allowed this young rye to start to show the promise of what this brand could become. While the youth is present throughout the sip, the flavors are inviting and will hopefully continue to mature and build even more depth with additional time in the wood. I’m looking forward to revisiting this brand in the future and seeing if Dick Stoll’s magic can be recreated one more time.  

‍The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of theStoll & Wolfe Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.