Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye

Overview
Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye is a small-batch rye whiskey from Valentine Distilling Co. in Ferndale, Michigan, offering a spiced alternative to the distillery's bourbon lineup. Batch No. 016 highlights the craft producer's focus on eco-friendly practices and regional heritage, named after Detroit's influential mayor Hazen S. Pingree.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Valentine Distilling Co., founded in 2007, ranks among the earliest U.S. craft distilleries and emphasizes sustainability through water recapture and closed cooling systems. This rye emerges from new American oak maturation, non-chill filtered for fuller texture, with a suggested retail price of $45 per 750ml bottle.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Prominent rye spice mingles with caraway and fennel seeds, alongside burnt vanilla, toasted brown bread, dried bananas, underripe papaya, green smoke, agave, and gingerbread cookies.
• Palate: Savory warmth leads with oak and raw bread dough; it feels more mature and composed than expected for its youth, though a thinness lingers.
• Finish: Fresh orange peel transitions to brewed Lipton tea notes, clean but brief.

Notable details

• Production: Aged at least four years in new American oak, non-chill filtered.
• Lineage: From Valentine Distilling Co., one of America's first craft operations, honoring Mayor Hazen S. Pingree (1890-1897).
• Comparison: Delivers more aromatic interest and composure than the distillery's Red Label Bourbon.

"This young rye offers more interest through spice but still lacks depth compared to expectations." – The Whiskey Wash

Closing
A solid entry-level rye for spice enthusiasts, best suited to those exploring Michigan craft without seeking profound complexity.

Sources

[1] Thewhiskeywash – "Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye Review"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Mayor Pingree Orange Label Rye Batch No. 016 Review"