I recently had the opportunity to try Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey, and I must say, I was impressed. This rye whiskey is sourced from MGP and aged for 10 years in Pennsylvania before being bottled to recreate the original pre-prohibition Belle of Bedford release. The history of Hughes Belle of Bedford dates back to the late 1800s, when Michael Hughes emigrated from County Carlow, Ireland, to Juniata Township in Pennsylvania.

Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey Overview

Product History

Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey is a single-barrel expression that is crafted with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Aged in charred (barrel char no. 4) American white oak casks for 8–9 years, each barrel is carefully selected and bottled at 52% ABV. The whiskey is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to specifications in keeping with the Hughes Bros. historic house style.

The Hughes family has a rich history in the whiskey industry, and this respected name has been resurrected by John J.’s great-great-grandson, Cyrus Kehyari. The Belle of Bedford is a tribute to the Hughes family’s distilling legacy, and it’s clear that a lot of care and attention has gone into crafting this spirit.

Price Range

The Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey is priced between $80-150, depending on the retailer. While this may seem steep for some, it’s important to note that this is a high-quality, single-barrel whiskey that has been aged for 8–9 years. The price is reflective of the time and care that have gone into crafting this spirit.

photo credit: www.skurnik.com

Tasting Notes

Aroma

The aroma of Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey is complex and inviting. The nose is filled with notes of mint, fresh pear, rye spice, and dill. Dark chocolate, wild flowers, and tobacco come later. The combination of light herbal and floral notes with more rich scents creates an intriguing aroma that makes you want to take a sip.

Flavor

The flavor of this rye whiskey is bursting with notes of honey, fennel, licorice, vanilla frosting, blueberry, rosemary, thyme, roasted oak, and clove. There is some bite, but it’s not overwhelming. The taste is good and has decent richness, as many MGP ryes do, but is generally balanced and enjoyable.

Finish

The finish of Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey is long and satisfying. It leaves a pleasant taste of caraway seeds and lemon oil on the palate. The finish is smooth and doesn’t leave a harsh burn in the throat.

Rating

Overall, I would rate Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey a solid 8 out of 10. It has a complex aroma, bursting flavor, and a satisfying finish. However, the price point of around $80-150 may be a bit steep for some. If you’re looking for a well-balanced rye whiskey with a unique flavor profile, this is definitely worth a try.

Mixing and Pairing

photo credit: www.pexels.com

Best Mixers

Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey is a complex spirit that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. However, it also works well in cocktails. When mixing, it is best to use mixers that complement the flavors of the whiskey. Some of the best mixers for this rye whiskey include ginger ale, lemon juice, and sweet vermouth. These mixers help to bring out the spicy and fruity notes in the whiskey while balancing its sweetness.

photo credit: www.pexels.com

Cocktail Suggestions

If you’re looking to mix up a cocktail with Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey, here are a few suggestions:

• Manhattan: Combine 2 oz. of Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey, 1 oz. of sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters in a shaker with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry.
• Whiskey Sour: Combine 2 oz. of Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey, 1 oz. of lemon juice, and 1/2 oz. of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
• Rye and Ginger: Combine 2 oz. of Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey and ginger ale in a glass with ice. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.

photo credit: www.pexels.com

Food Pairings

Pairing food with Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey can be a fun and delicious experience. The spicy and fruity notes in the whiskey pair well with rich and savory dishes. Here are a few food pairings to try:

• Steak: The bold flavors of a juicy steak complement the spicy notes in the whiskey. Try pairing it with a dry-aged ribeye or a New York strip steak.
• BBQ: The smoky and sweet flavors of BBQ pair well with the sweetness of the whiskey. Try pairing it with ribs or pulled pork.
• Dark Chocolate: The dark and bitter notes in dark chocolate complement the sweetness of the whiskey. Try pairing it with a high-quality dark chocolate bar or truffles.

Conclusion

After tasting Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey, I can say that it’s a solid choice for fans of rye whiskey. The whiskey has a rich and complex flavor profile that includes notes of honey, fennel, licorice, vanilla frosting, blueberry, rosemary, thyme, roasted oak, and clove. The whiskey has a bit of a bite, but it’s not overwhelming.

I would recommend Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey to anyone looking for a flavorful and complex rye whiskey with a bit of bite.

Related Posts

If you enjoyed my review of Hughes Bros. Belle of Bedford Straight Rye Whiskey, then you might be interested in checking out some of my other whiskey reviews. Here are a few related posts with descriptions:

• Reviewing Mackmyra rum-finished expression Vinterdröm: If you’re a fan of unique and experimental whiskey finishes, you might enjoy this review of Mackmyra’s rum-finished expression. I explore the flavors and aromas of this Swedish whiskey and give my honest opinion.
• Reviewing Teeling 24 Years Old: For those who appreciate a well-aged whiskey, my review of Teeling’s 24-year-old expression might be of interest. I describe the complex flavors and aromas of this Irish whiskey and share my thoughts on its overall quality.
• Weekly Review: Claxton’s Rioja-matured Bruichladdich: If you’re curious about whiskey finishes and how they can impact the flavor of a whiskey, my review of Claxton’s Rioja-matured Bruichladdich might be worth a read. I delve into the unique combination of Scottish whiskey and Spanish wine casks and share my tasting notes.
• £16.000 Black Bowmore 50 Year Old Hits The Market: For those who are interested in rare and expensive whiskeys, my post about the release of Black Bowmore’s 50-year-old expression might be of interest. I share details about the whiskey and its price tag, as well as my thoughts on whether it’s worth the investment.
• Black Mountain: when Whisky meets Armagnac: If you’re interested in learning about unique whiskey blends, my post about Black Mountain’s whiskey and Armagnac blend might be worth a read. I describe the flavors and aromas of this French whiskey and share my thoughts on its overall quality.