Tastes

Smells like fresh squeezed apple juice. I like that. Full flavor across the pallet. The end is a little bit of plants and butter. Second sip was the same. I’m struggling to explain the primary flavor. It’s nutty, plants, butter, popcorn. Very unique. No peat, this isn’t a scotch. It’s all traditional whisky, that feels a lot like a bourbon. Third sip, more of the same. I wouldn’t buy a bottle, or a single. But I would accept a dram if a friend offered me one.

All raisins on the nose. Wow, there is a lot going on here. The first sip was thin entry, bitter midpallet, then intense plums, pepper, and more on the back. Long medium sweet aftertastes with a pleasant long lasting, but mild burn. Second look: there is some pepper on the nose, then raisins. After that identical to the first. The initial explosion on the back of the pallet makes a guy believe in magic. But the aftertaste of bitter plums convinces you otherwise. The third sip was as consistent as the first two. I would totally buy a bottle of this because that explosion on the back is so unique. Then I would regret buying it after every drink.

Delicious aroma the perfect amount of peat with hints of fruit. First sip: thin entry, thin fruit on the midpallet, a cornucopia of flavors on the finish, raisins, then peanut butter, followed by apricot. Post finish was mildly warm. A very interesting drink. Second sip: the same as the first, but I had a harder time distinguishing the flavors on the back of the pallet. Third sip: more of the same, and my favorite sip yet. This is a crazy interesting drink. Lots of fun, but I question whether it’s worth the steep premium price. I might buy a bottle to keep in the collection, but wouldn’t go out of my way to stock it.

Thin on the nose. A little thin on the pallet. A hint of popcorn, but primarily a woody taste. Surprisingly good. I like it.

13yr woodier still, almost to the point of varnish on the nose. Still some Carmel, which I like. Peanut butter. Yep, second sip says “thin peanut butter”. A healthy dose of ice sweetened up quiet a bit. Made it almost enjoyable.

11yr much woodier than the 9 yr on the nose. Woody hairspray, almost thin. Lingering aftertaste is nice though. Took a healthy dose of ice to make it drinkable. Would not do again.

9yr Carmel and alcohol on the nose. Wheat smell too. First sip totally says what my nose said: Carmel, alcohol, and wheat. Good, not amazing. 3 stars. Adding ice didn’t do this one any favors.

I’ve been through two bottles of this. The first bottle was batch one, and was the best rye I’ve ever had. The second was batch two and I won’t be finishing that bottle.

Possibly my favorite rye ever. Paul’s collection, Toledo, 2019.

Damn good! From Paul’s collection in Toledo, 2019.