Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye 6YR 100PF 750ML

Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye 6YR 100PF 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) rock and rye whiskey blending aged straight rye with honey, citrus, and bitters in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 92-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, which praised its balanced sweetness and rye spice.
Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  |  6-Year Age Statement  |  Producer: Cooper Spirits Company
Production & Heritage
Cooper Spirits Company produces Slow & Low in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, where it is made by Local 500 union workers. The base is a 6-year straight rye whiskey infused with air-dried navel oranges, 100% raw honey, Angostura bitters, rock candy, and horehound — an herbaceous perennial plant historically found in lozenges that lends a distinctive herbal complexity. The recipe revives the rock and rye tradition, a once-common American barroom staple that dates back to the mid-19th century, but brings it to bottled-in-bond-level proof for a far more assertive backbone than most modern interpretations.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bitter orange dominates the nose immediately, followed by layers of raw honey and a subtle rye grain presence underneath. Black tea and old-fashioned herbal lozenge notes emerge as the whiskey opens up in the glass.
Taste: The entry is surprisingly gentle for 100 proof, with only a mild tingle at the front of the tongue. Mid-palate brings candied orange peel, sweet vanilla, and spiced apple, while the rye’s backbone asserts itself with peppery warmth and a woody underpinning. Honey weaves throughout without ever tipping into cloying sweetness.
Finish: Dry and long, with bitter herbs and lemon peel lingering well past the final sip. The horehound and bitters leave a pleasantly medicinal, almost tonic-like quality that invites the next taste.
How to Drink Slow & Low
At 100 proof, Slow & Low holds up beautifully over a single large ice cube, which gently opens the honey and citrus while taming the heat. Neat works just as well for those who want the full aromatic experience. An Old Fashioned becomes almost effortless here — the honey, bitters, and citrus are already built in, so all you need is ice and a garnish. Try it in a Gold Rush, where its honey backbone pairs naturally with fresh lemon juice. A Whiskey Sour gains added dimension, as the rock candy sweetness and orange infusion replace simple syrup with far more complexity.
Best For
Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who appreciates American whiskey history
Stocking a home bar for effortless Old Fashioneds without muddling or measuring
Introducing rye-curious drinkers to the category through an approachable but full-proof expression
Serving at autumn or winter gatherings where a bold, spiced whiskey suits the season
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Slow & Low taste like? Slow & Low delivers candied orange, raw honey, and vanilla upfront, supported by rye spice, wood, and a lingering dry herbal finish. Despite 100 proof, it drinks with surprising smoothness and balance.
How does Slow & Low compare to Mr. Boston Rock & Rye? Mr. Boston Rock & Rye, recently revived by the Sazerac Company, is a lower-proof, sweeter expression that leans more heavily on rock candy. Slow & Low runs significantly hotter at 100 proof and incorporates horehound and Angostura bitters for a more complex, less confectionery profile.
Is Slow & Low good for cocktails? It excels in cocktails — its built-in honey, citrus, and bitters essentially provide Old Fashioned ingredients in the bottle, while the 100-proof backbone ensures it stands up to dilution and mixers without losing character.
Where is Slow & Low made? Slow & Low is produced by Cooper Spirits Company in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Production is carried out by Local 500 union workers, giving it a distinct Philadelphia provenance.
What foods pair well with Slow & Low? Aged sharp cheddar complements the rye spice and honey sweetness. Smoked charcuterie boards play off the bitter orange and herbal notes. Pecan pie or honey cake mirror the rock candy and raw honey infusion. Roasted pork with a citrus glaze echoes the navel orange character, and dark chocolate with sea salt stands up to the 100-proof intensity.
What sizes does Slow & Low come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle at 100 proof; Cooper Spirits has also released Slow & Low in a lower-proof 84-proof canned format for ready-to-drink convenience.
Is Slow & Low worth the price? Slow & Low positions as a mid-premium expression within the American whiskey category, and the combination of a 6-year age statement, 100-proof strength, and a Double Gold Medal from San Francisco World Spirits Competition represents strong value for what amounts to a ready-made cocktail base with serious sipping credentials.
Why Slow & Low?
Rock and rye is one of the oldest American whiskey traditions, and Slow & Low is the expression that brought it back into serious conversation. The addition of horehound — rare among modern rock and rye producers — gives it an herbal depth that separates it from sweeter, simpler competitors. At 100 proof with a 6-year straight rye base, it has enough structure to function as a legitimate sipping whiskey while simultaneously delivering a shortcut to a well-balanced Old Fashioned. The Double Gold from San Francisco and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast confirm that this is more than a novelty — it is a thoughtfully produced spirit that earns its place in the American whiskey landscape.