Rough Rider The Big Stick Cask Strength Rye

After Long Island’s iconic potato harvest, farmers plant locally grown winter rye as a cover crop to restore and maintain soil health. Rye is a deep-rooted “cleansing” grain that is highly expressive of its terroir, and being surrounded by more than 70 vineyards, Long Island rye often develops a distinctive spicy sweetness. The Big Stick is bottled at 121 proof cask strength, showcasing the raw, authentic character of this locally planted rye. This small-batch whiskey uses Champagne yeast and undergoes a slow, 12-day fermentation — nearly four times longer than a typical rye — producing elevated esters and floral complexity that deliver more flavor than heat. In the glass, it shows a rich bronze-auburn color with exceptional clarity, offering aromas of salted crackers, dried prune, new leather, and loose-leaf tobacco.