Tastes

Very fresh nose, including notes of orange peel, mint, and light brown sugar. Actually getting the cooling sensation on the nose that you get from menthol, which accentuate the sense of freshness. Great mouthfeel. Getting some strong rye notes (mint, especially) on this bottling. The initial bourbon sweetness gives way to a high rye kick that sears the palate. Finish is especially drying, with lingering tannins like English breakfast tea. Very, very pleasant drinking. A few drops of water rounded out the palate but failed to make the dram more interesting. If you are new to more rye-forward bourbons and this one is too hot, though, you may enjoy it more by diluting it with a drop or two of water. It did lessen the heat. I do actually think I still prefer the blended bottled-in-bond bottling that I have to this single barrel. New Riff does a wonderful job blending barrels to create a well rounded experience. Regardless, this is a very, very good bourbon, and a bargain at $60 for a barrel proof whiskey.