Pikesville 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey

Revived from Maryland’s rye heritage and perfected in Kentucky, Pikesville 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey is a bold, overproof classic at 55% ABV. Extra-aged in prime rickhouse locations, it layers spice and cocoa over honeyed rye for a confident, impeccably balanced sip. Presented with vintage poise, it’s a distinctive bottle for collectors and an elevated gift for serious whiskey lovers.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Pale copper in the glass, aromas of dusty cocoa and a wisp of oaky smoke lead to a dry, spicy glide of honeyed rye, clove and subtle citrus. The palate builds with caramel warmth and peppered grain, remaining composed at proof. It tapers to a long, measured finish where soft vanilla and fresh baking spices linger—powerful yet polished, with superb clarity of flavour.

Key Details

• Producer: Heaven Hill Distillery
• Type: Straight Rye Whiskey (Extra-Aged)
• Region: Kentucky, USA (Maryland heritage)
• ABV: 55% (110 proof)
• Volume: 750ml
• Maturation: Minimum 6 years in new charred American oak, selected from prime warehouse locations
• Serve: Neat or with a splash of water; over a large clear cube; outstanding in spirit-forward rye classics

Cocktail Pairings

Built for classic, spirit-led drinks: let a Manhattan showcase its spice and depth, or lean into an anise-kissed Sazerac for herbal lift. A Vieux Carré layers rye’s structure with Cognac and bitters, while an Old Fashioned amplifies honeyed grain and clove. For modern elegance, pour a Black Manhattan with amaro, or mix a crisp Horsefeather—ginger’s snap meets rye’s warm backbone.

Craftsmanship & Story

Born in 1890s Maryland and revived post-Prohibition, Pikesville endures today under Heaven Hill’s stewardship. Extra-aged barrels are pulled from top rickhouse positions, where heat and airflow intensify rye’s signature spice. Bottled at a robust 55% ABV (110 proof), the whiskey honours its historic mark while embracing Kentucky maturation know-how—each batch a precise balance of power, grain character and seasoned oak.

Special Features

High-proof, age-stated rye that drinks with authority yet finesse. Six years in new charred oak coax cocoa, vanilla and clove over a honeyed core; proof brings focus without harshness. The profile is versatile—equally compelling neat and in cocktails—while the label’s storied Maryland lineage adds provenance. A connoisseur’s staple and an effortlessly impressive gift.

Recognition & Accolades

Decorated by judges and critics worldwide:

• World’s Best Rye Whisky – World Whiskies Awards, 2016
• Best in Show (American Straight Rye Whiskey) – TAG Global Spirits Awards, 2024
• Double Gold – SIP Awards, 2022
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2018
• Best of Show American Rye Whiskey (Double Gold) – WSWA Spirits Tasting Competition, 2018
• Top 100 Spirits & 95/100 (Finalist) – Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2015

Award pedigree that confirms its benchmark status among modern rye whiskies.

Food Pairing

Match its spice and sweetness with marbled ribeye or pepper-crusted steak; smoky barbecue brisket and ribs echo its charred oak and caramel. On a board, aged cheddar, smoked gouda and blue cheese stand up to the proof alongside prosciutto, spiced pecans and dried apricots. For dessert, choose dark chocolate truffles, gingerbread or pecan pie to mirror cocoa, clove and vanilla.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Impressively bottled and historically grounded, Pikesville 6 Year is a discerning client gift, a celebratory pour for milestones, or a personal addition to a serious whiskey shelf—bold, refined and unmistakably rye.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.