Tastes

3.75-4.0 Tasting bar @ Lukas Wine & Spirits. Verdict: Bar Really enjoyed this, but $110 for a 2 year old rye?!

Really enjoyed this...Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids Verdict: Bar While I found this to be really good, I'm not sure it's $75+ good...

Nose: 3.5 | pretty faint, brown sugar, slight dried dark fruit (cherry?), mint, copper penny? Palate: 4 | sweet, caramel, brown sugar, honey, dried apricot, licorice and mint; medium viscosity Finish: 3.75 | mid-length minty finish Price: 3.5 | it's enjoyable, but a little overpriced at $45 Compared to 2018 Single Barrel: Single Barrel edges out the Small Batch, it's a slightly amped up version Verdict: Bar While I enjoy this, it's a good pour for $35-40, but the price keeps creeping up...

Schnucks, OBSF (4.25) Nose: 3.75 | burnt sugar, fruit, oak Palate: 4.25 | big mouthfeel, oily, sugary sweet caramel, oak fades into spicy mint Finish: 4.25 | great long spicy finish Price: 4 | at around $65, it's not cheap, but well worth it Verdict: Bottle - Great pick by Schnucks. Rose City 'The Fifth Rose,' OESF (4.25) Nose: 4 | minty bubble gum Palate: 4.25 | oily mouthfeel, loads of mint Finish: 4.25 | nice hug with a long minty finish Price: 4 Verdict: Bottle - another great selection

Nose: 3.5 | sweet - black fruit/cherries, slight spice Palate: 3.75 | big mouthfeel, sweet upfront, cherry syrup, anise, licorice Finish: 3 | long, slight oak and spice Value: 3.5 Verdict: Bar I really wanted to love this but just couldn't. There was something almost medicinal about the finish that was a bit of a turnoff. Great in a Manhattan though.

@ Wine & Cheese Place Whiskey Bar

Verdict: Bar Solid, but there are better options for the price.

Very unique and flavorful young rye. Verdict: Bottle Really good as a new bottle, but evolves to become something incredible after the bottle has been open a few months.