JYPSI whiskey, the brand composed of supergroup of whiskey makers and lovers, is relaunching its “Legacy” series with batch 3, marking the fast approaching celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Whiskey JYPSI, which was honored by Whiskey Network in 2024 as “Whiskey Maker of the Year”, is relaunching its most historically significant release to date – Legacy Batch 003: “The Declaration”, tributing the unique historical Maryland style of whiskey making, is a layered expression of American whiskey’s past and future. “When Eric and I started JYPSI, we said we would have no rules other than producing the best products we could regardless of complexity or cost,” said co-founder Raj Alva. “Sourcing from one of the oldest and most historic distilleries in America to produce “The Declaration” is a perfect example of that spirit.”
Eric Church, JYPSI Co-Founder: “To mark the 250th anniversary, we wanted to make something that is more than a commemorative bottle; it’s a testament to the grit, restlessness and innovation that built this country,”. An what a testament it is!
I had the opportunity to meet the Ari Sussman, the blender and maker behind the bottle, to discuss – and taste – the new bottle launch and taste some of the magic. I was blown away not just by Ari’s constant enthusiasm, but also from the rich deep and sweet Rye – a not very easy material to work with.
“Before bourbon there was rye. Rye was the whiskey of revolutionaries, and Maryland Style Rye was what George Washington himself distilled at Mount Vernon. It balanced rye’s characteristic spice with the sweetness of corn, and that balance is what we set out to create.” Ari has a sparkle in his eye when he talks whiskey, his enthusiasm and love for crafting innovative drinks with a wink to past heritage is felt in many of his past creations as well as in this one.
Ari shared his curiosity around the Maryland Style Rye, to which “The Declaration” pays a tribute to. The mashbill is:
- 60% Rye: A blend of 8- to 12-year-old 95/5 rye sourced from Indiana, delivering the foundational spice, maturity, and classic rye grain character, which is then finished with a top note from apple brandy barrels sourced directly from Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon.
- 30% Corn: 20- to 25-year-old Canadian corn whiskey, which was re-barreled in new American oak for two and a half years to add exceptional depth, vanilla, and cocoa notes.
- 10% Malt: An 8-year-old American single malt from Virginia, which provides a fragrant, floral, and biscuit-forward aromatic top note to round out the blend.
Offered in 57.8% ABV, this expression offers bold yet balanced flavors of spice, tamed by the corn and malted barely sweetness bringing in a delicious rich experience of baked apples, pepper and cinnamon.
