Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye

Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye shines when sipped neat or over a large ice cube, allowing its complex flavors to unfold slowly on the palate. This versatile spirit also works well in spirit-forward cocktails, particularly those that traditionally call for rye whiskey, and pairs beautifully with hearty, spiced dishes on cool autumn evenings or during cozy winter gatherings.

Nose: Citrus peel, honey, and warm rye spice dominate. Hints of rock candy sweetness and old-fashioned root beer emerge. A subtle undercurrent of dried herbs adds complexity.

Palate: Smooth and viscous. Orange and lemon zest upfront, followed by rye whiskey's peppery bite. Raw honey sweetness balances the spice. Notes of horehound candy, anise, and bittersweet herbs develop mid-palate.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering warmth. The rye spice reasserts itself, accompanied by citrus oils and a touch of cinnamon. A pleasant bitterness reminiscent of gentian root or angostura bitters trails off, leaving a slightly dry, herbal aftertaste.

Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye is crafted by blending straight rye whiskey with honey, navel oranges, Angostura bitters, and a touch of rock candy. What makes this process unique is that it revives a pre-Prohibition tradition of flavoring harsh whiskey with rock candy and citrus, creating a smoother, more palatable spirit that's essentially a ready-to-drink Old Fashioned in a bottle.

• Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye is based on America's oldest cocktail recipe, dating back to the 1800s when rock candy was added to harsh rye whiskey in saloons to make it more palatable. This modern version elevates the classic by using raw honey instead of rock candy.
• Unlike most premixed cocktails, Slow & Low is bottled at a potent 84 proof (42% ABV), making it one of the strongest ready-to-drink cocktails on the market. It's designed to be sipped neat or on the rocks, just like a traditional spirit.
• The "Slow" in the name refers to the 6-month aging process the rye whiskey undergoes in used bourbon barrels, while "Low" nods to the low-proof spirits historically used in rock and rye recipes. This aging process gives the final product a complexity rarely found in premixed cocktails.