GSN Review: Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock and Rye Whiskey

The Cooper Spirits Company launched Slow & Low Rock & Rye in 2017. Slow & Low is based on America’s original bottled cocktail – “rock and rye”– and takes its inspiration from the Hochstadter label’s pre-prohibition era recipe. Slow & Low combines aged straight rye whiskey, air-dried navel oranges from Florida, 100-percent raw honey from Western Pennsylvania, Angostura Bitters and a small dose of rock candy. The cocktails sugar content is 7% abv.

Rock and rye’s heritage dates back to the early 1800s, the company says, when barkeeps in saloons would serve a shot of rye whiskey, often unaged and unpalatable to many, with a small bowl of rock candy which could be added by the customer to take the edge off. Later, to avoid the wrath of the growing temperance movement, the drink moved to pharmacy counters as a pre-bottled cure-all for the common cold, sniffles, sore throats, coughs and any manner of ailment.

We suggest keeping a bottle on hand, just in case you’re feeling something coming on.

Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock and Rye Whiskey (84 proof)
Visual: Light gold.
Nose: Orange citrus on the nose, supported by a slight honey funk painted over a slight rye spice. Sweet, fruity and tempting.
Taste: Very much like a cocktail with a vibrant orange flavor interlocking with a sweetened rye base. The honey character whiffs away quickly, leading a cheery and easy-to-drink combination.
Finish: Medium long, with the citrus zest bidding a long farewell.
Overall: Really, this is a perfect beverage for whiskey newbies or long time enthusiasts. Bring a bottle of this to a party, and you can leave all of the mixology at home.
GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Drink Slow and Low