J. Rieger & Co. Launches New Rieger Straight Bourbon; 100% Distilled, Aged And Bottled In Kansas City

Today J. Rieger & Co. launched the new 90-proof Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey, representing the next chapter in the J. Rieger & Co. story, and introducing an affordable luxury bourbon from the heart of America to the world. Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey is flavorful and complex, sure to impress experienced bourbon drinkers, while bringing new enthusiasts into the fold. 

“We want our hometown and the entire midwest to have a go-to bourbon that they can hang their hats on that’s not from Kentucky,” said Andy Rieger, president of J. Rieger & Co. “While most bourbon lovers gravitate toward the shelf drivers like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Knob Creek, we wanted to make an incredible bourbon that can go toe-to-toe with any of these giants of American Bourbon from both a taste and price standpoint. We think our distilling team absolutely knocked this out of the park and produced a delicious bourbon that will make the midwest proud while our marketing team oversaw a world-class package design come together.”

Fans of J. Rieger & Co. will immediately notice a new look for Rieger Straight Bourbon, with a new bottle shape and all-new label design and structure, presenting a look and feel that sets the stage for the future of the distillery’s whiskey program.

The new bourbon—100% distilled, aged and bottled in Kansas City—is unique in that it uses sweet mash fermentation and a two-step distillation process, and sees at least four years of aging in the distillery’s rickhouse for even more character and layering of flavors. The result is a delicious, yet easy-drinking and approachable bourbon that will be a welcome presence at retail, behind the bar, and at home.

Under the tutelage of the “Johnny Appleseed of Whiskey”—the late, great Dave Pickerell—J. Rieger & Co. Master Distiller Nathan Perry joined the small group of pioneers embracing the more innovative use of sweet mash fermentation. This method begins with a clean slate, adding water and grain to an empty tank. This approach gives Perry and his team superior control over the mashing and fermentation process, resulting in a high-quality, uniquely J. Rieger & Co. bourbon. While this approach requires more attention to detail, it allows more flexibility to create the smoothest, most flavorful whiskey. 

Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey features a high-rye mashbill of 56% Corn, 30% Rye, and 14% Malted Barley. This carefully selected combination ensures a distinctive flavor profile that stands out in the market.

After the fermentation process, the J. Rieger & Co. distilling team employs a unique two-step distillation process on the bourbon, utilizing both their 27-ft. column still and their custom-designed 750-gallon Vendome pot still. This unconventional process creates a whiskey with the ultimate mouthfeel and texture, heightening the richness and depth of flavor. 

Despite the distilling team’s meticulous production methods, the new Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey is offered at a reasonable and approachable price, coming in at an MSRP around $30-35, making it a perfect addition to any and every bar. Rieger Straight Bourbon is perfect for all occasions, whether mixed in a shaken, stirred, or highball cocktail, or enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this new year-round expression from J. Rieger & Co. is one that will stand the test of time.

To learn more about J. Rieger & Co. and its full line up of distilled spirits as well as more information on the many first-class entertaining options at the distillery, please visit jriegerco.com.

THE BLEND & TASTING NOTES: 

Made with the same mashbill as the distillery’s Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon—56% corn, 30% rye, 14% malted barley—Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey is brimming with layers of flavor and complexity, showcasing aromas of candied citrus and baked bread. Rich flavors of orange marmalade, cracked pepper, and lightly toasted coconut are followed up by a long finish with hints of mild tobacco and a toffee-like sweetness. 

About J. Rieger & Co.

J. Rieger & Co. was originally founded in 1887 in Kansas City’s West Bottoms Livestock Exchange district. The distillery offered over 100 alcoholic products on a national basis, including the iconic Monogram Whiskey, but was forced to close in 1919 with the advent of Prohibition. In 2014, 95 years after Prohibition, the brand was relaunched by Andy Rieger, the great-great-great-grandson of Jacob Rieger, and Ryan Maybee, a world renowned bartender and spirits expert. The current distillery is in the historic Electric Park neighborhood in Kansas City. The core product line includes Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kansas City Whiskey, Midwestern Dry Gin, Caffe Amaro, and Premium Wheat Vodka. For more information, visit JRiegerCo.com.