Rittenhouse

Shortly after the end of Prohibition, in 1934, the Continental Distilling Corporation of Philadelphia launched Rittenhouse Square Straight Rye Whisky, a brand that quickly became famous as a "Choice Pennsylvania Rye" – named after the historic Rittenhouse Square in the heart of Philadelphia. In 1948, the "Square" was dropped from the name and the brand was relaunched as a four-year-old bottled-in-bond whiskey.

In 1993, Heaven Hill secured the brand rights and kept Rittenhouse Rye alive through difficult years for the American whiskey industry. When bartenders rediscovered the brand in the early 2000s, Rittenhouse became one of the most sought-after cocktail ryes of all. With Rittenhouse Straight Rye, you will find the current core bottling of this storied brand in our selection.

Where does the name Rittenhouse come from?

In 1934, right after the end of Prohibition, the Continental Distilling Corporation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, introduced Rittenhouse Square Straight Rye Whisky – named after the historic square of the same name in the heart of the city. The initially two-year-old, 100-proof rye quickly became known as a "Choice Pennsylvania Rye", continuing the tradition of the historic Monongahela rye whiskey that was once the dominant American whiskey style. After production interruptions during the Second World War, the "Square" was dropped in 1948 and the brand was relaunched as a four-year-old bottled-in-bond whiskey.

How did Rittenhouse survive the decline of American whiskey?

In 1993, Heaven Hill Distillery acquired the rights to Rittenhouse Straight Rye – at a time when whiskey was anything but fashionable in the US. It was precisely this that kept the brand alive while many competitors disappeared. Around 2001/2002, bartenders rediscovered Rittenhouse for classic cocktails such as the Manhattan and Old Fashioned, giving the brand a genuine comeback and helping to drive the broader rye renaissance.

The most popular bottling at a glance

1. Rittenhouse Straight Rye
The classic bottled-in-bond bottling at a near-cask-strength 50% ABV.
Taste: Spicy and peppery with bold rye bite.
Serving suggestion: The bartender's favourite for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Facts and figures

First introduced: 1934, Continental Distilling Corporation, Philadelphia. Relaunched: 1948 (dropping "Square"). Owner: Heaven Hill Distillery (since 1993). Style: Pennsylvania/Monongahela rye.