Historic Kentucky-produced whiskey brand Old Overholt has undergone some recent upgrades and updates over the past year, and for the first time in its over two centuries of existence, they’re releasing two new limited-edition varieties, available only in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The straight rye whiskey brand, which was founded in 1810 in West Overton, Pennsylvania by Abraham Overholt, may not be a household name, despite its deep roots. But according to the brand, many bars and restaurants utilize Old Overholt Rye as their house rye in cocktails like a classic Old Fashioned.
The brand has ties to both Ohio and Kentucky, as its bottles were formerly produced in the Buckeye State, and the whiskey’s production now takes place in Clermont, Kentucky — at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Proudly representing the “oldest continually produced and maintained whiskey in America,” the brand rolled out some big changes this year both visually and in terms of production.
In the spring, the brand “transitioned to a non-chill filtration process and an increase in proof pot from 80 to 86 on its classic Straight Rye Whisky,” which “makes for a stand-up rye in classic cocktails and a prime example of what a rye should taste like neat or on the rocks,” according to a release. Additionally, they updated the brand packaging with a re-illustrated, grumpier version of founder Abraham Overholt — a more “historically accurate” depiction.
And with these changes, they have, for the first time ever, released two new limited edition varieties of their whiskies — available only in Ohio and Pennsylvania: a 114-proof variation and a 11-year-old variation.
Old Overholt’s 114-proof whiskey is available at most major liquor stores in Ohio, however the 11-year variation is a bit more elusive.
They don’t have a website, so it will remain VERY elusive. (We’ve emailed to get contact info for people who want to hunt some down.)
This article appears in The Holiday Issue.