Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye is a straight rye whiskey poured at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle, beloved by bartenders and rye devotees alike. Robust, full-flavored and honestly priced, it is the rye that countless classic cocktails were built to showcase, and a wonderful sipper in its own right.
About the Distillery
Rittenhouse is produced by Heaven Hill, the celebrated family-owned distiller based in Bardstown, Kentucky. Named for Philadelphia’s historic Rittenhouse Square, it honors the Eastern rye tradition while being crafted with Heaven Hill’s deep Kentucky expertise. The Bottled-in-Bond designation is a mark of integrity dating to a 19th-century federal standard, signaling a straight whiskey made by one distiller in one season and aged at least four years under government supervision.
Style & Mash Bill
Rittenhouse is a barely-legal rye, built on a grain recipe that meets the rye threshold while leaning generously on corn, which gives it a rounder, richer body than a high-rye whiskey. It is distilled in the classic Kentucky style and matured in new charred oak, drawing out warm caramel and toasted depth that sit comfortably beneath the rye spice. The result is a robust yet remarkably balanced whiskey with real backbone.
Tasting Notes
Look for a generous nose of caramel, vanilla and baking spice, leading to a palate of toffee, dried fruit, cinnamon and clove. The rye gives a firm, spicy structure while the corn lends a satisfying roundness, all carrying into a warm, lingering finish. It is a whiskey with presence, equally at home stirred into a Manhattan or sipped slowly.
What to Pair It With
Rittenhouse’s bold, caramel-rich character stands up beautifully to rich, savory plates. Pair it with our American Wagyu Steaks, with the Sicilian Meatballs, or finish on a sweet note alongside our Flourless Chocolate Cake. See the full dine-in menu for more.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Rittenhouse is poured neat or on the rocks at $11, ready to enjoy on its own or as the heart of a classic cocktail.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Rittenhouse is made by Heaven Hill, a family-owned distiller in Bardstown, Kentucky. Its name honors Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square and the Eastern rye tradition.
What does it taste like?
It is a robust, full-bodied rye with caramel, vanilla, toffee and warm baking spice, balanced by a firm, peppery rye structure and a long finish.
Is it a spicy rye?
It carries plenty of rye spice, but a generous portion of corn rounds it out, so it drinks rich and balanced rather than sharply spicy.
When you are ready to join us, book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.
