J.J. Pfister Distilling High Rye Bourbon Whiskey

J.J. Pfister Distilling High Rye Bourbon Whiskey is a 100-proof (50% ABV) straight bourbon whiskey from Sacramento's J.J. Pfister Distilling Company, aged four-plus years in American oak. Built on a high-rye mash with an unusual corn mix reported by retailers, it leans dessert-sweet — butterscotch, crème brûlée, cherry pie, and dark chocolate over classic bourbon warmth. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV/Proof: 50% ABV / 100 proof
• Size: 750mL
• Aging: 4+ years in American oak (straight bourbon whiskey)
• Origin: J.J. Pfister Distilling Company, Sacramento, California
• Production: High-rye mash bill; small-batch craft production

Dessert-First Craft Bourbon

Most craft bourbons chase oak and heat; Pfister's high-rye expression chases the pastry case. Four-plus years in American oak and a rye-forward mash produce a bourbon that drinks like dessert — butterscotch, leather, and crème brûlée on the nose, cherry pie and dark chocolate on the palate, and a medium-long finish of dried fruit and seasoned oak with a spicy rye twist. At 100 proof it has the structure for cocktails, but the distillery's own launch pitch was that these whiskeys were smooth enough to drink neat. Like the rye above, it comes from a distillery whose tasting room has since closed — explore the J.J. Pfister bottles while they last, or browse more bourbon whiskey.

Tasting Notes

Retailers report aromas of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, dried cherry, peach, rye spice, and oak; a palate of butterscotch, leather, crème brûlée, cherry pie, and dark chocolate with subtle oak; and a medium-long spiced finish with dried fruit and seasoned oak. Others note allspice, caramel, ginger, and banana toast.

How to Enjoy

Neat or with a single cube — the dessert profile shines undiluted. In cocktails, it makes an exceptional old fashioned where the butterscotch-cherry character replaces the need for much sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "high rye" mean here?
The mash bill carries a higher-than-usual proportion of rye grain, adding baking spice and a peppery twist to classic bourbon sweetness.

How old is it?
Retailers report over four years in American oak (one lists 4 and 5 years); it is labeled straight bourbon, which requires a minimum of two.

Is this the 114-proof single barrel?
No — a retailer-exclusive single barrel pick at 114 proof is a separate product; this is the standard 100-proof release.

Is the distillery still operating?
The tasting room is listed as permanently closed; current bottles are existing stock.

Four years in oak, a rye kick, and a crème-brûlée soul — order J.J. Pfister High Rye Bourbon online today at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.