J. Rieger Whiskey
Overall Score: 6/10
Overall Value: 2/5
Distillery: Jacob Rieger & Company
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Jacob Rieger & Company
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: 6 Years
Color: Orange Honey
MSRP: $60 (2025)
Mashbill: 56% Corn, 30% Rye, and 14% Malted Barley
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose is easily the highlight of this Bottled in Bond release. It opens with deep, fruity notes—apricot, plum, and blackberry—layered over leather, tobacco, and a touch of candied sugar. At the same time, there’s a lighter side: a citrusy, character reminiscent of cracking open a cold Fresca, along with a bit of cinnamon sugar. It’s a unique mix, and honestly, a genuinely enjoyable start.
Unfortunately, the palate doesn’t carry the momentum. Those rich and promising notes drop way down, replaced by a mix of youth, light oak, and a slightly sour edge that feels off. The mouthfeel is light and oily, and while there are hints of classic bourbon notes underneath, they struggle to shine through. A bit of fresh leather and an unexpected bite make the sip even tougher.
The finish is long, but not in a great way. Most of what lingers is youthful grain and alcohol, with a touch of something sharp that at times drifts toward a gasoline-like note. It improves slightly as classic flavors try to reemerge, but overall it never fully comes together.
J. Rieger’s Bottled in Bond whiskey has a nose that suggests something special, but the palate and finish ultimately fall short. At its MSRP, it feels tough to justify, and even finding it on sale wouldn’t change the core issue: it simply doesn’t deliver the balance or depth expected from a Bottled in Bond release. As much as we want to root for this Kansas City distillery, this one is a pass for us.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 5.5/10
Value: 1/5
THE NOSE:
The nose reminded me of opening a can of Fresca as a kid. There is something slightly citrusy, effervescent, and a bit tea like about the nose.
Although, the classic bourbon profile is also very strong here. Maybe just the slightest bit of cinnamon sugar as well.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is like light oil. The initial taste is what I imagine light oak would taste like if it could sour.
That, combined with a bit of fresh leather. It has a bite, and It’s not particularly pleasant.
THE FINISH:
The finish gets a bit better, with more of the classic flavors.
Although I’m not sure if it’s actually that great or if I’m just happy to have any other flavor take over.
The long finish started to taste a bit like the smell of gasoline to me.
BUY OR PASS?
The nose was really unique and very enjoyable but the rest of this pour I could not recommend. The palate tasted sour like something was off, and the finish never fully recovered from it.
I tend to really enjoy most Bottled in Bond offerings but this is one I would avoid.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
The nose on this one starts off really nice—dark and fruity. I get apricot, plum, and blackberry, mixed with leather and tobacco.
Those darker notes remind me a lot of the Old Forester profile, which I usually enjoy.
There’s also a touch of candied sugar that gives it a little sweetness.
THE TASTE:
Sadly, once you taste it, things drop off fast.
Like every J. Rieger’s I’ve tried, all those great notes from the nose seem to fade way down—maybe to about 15% of their strength—and are replaced by young bourbon notes.
It’s just not as rich or balanced as you’d hope.
THE FINISH:
The finish doesn’t help either.
Mostly youth and alcohol, nothing that really lingers or adds depth.
BUY OR PASS?
Overall, it’s a letdown. As someone from Missouri, I really want to like this since it’s a big Kansas City distillery, but it just doesn’t do it for me.
Every time I revisit one of their bottles, I end up feeling the same way—it’s a pass.
