Tastes

Was so pleased and spend a great deal of time with this and the '15 release this evening. Ripe banana, deep caramel, fig on the nose. Flavor is dark brown bread, banana bread, almond and other nutty notes. This was a touch sweeter than 15. Drop of water opened it up nicely and worth it here. Finish is wonderful.

Really interesting collaboration. The initial aroma is of hops and then the Rye reveals itself. I think the collaboration brings a herbaceous element to both Aroma and flavor. Not overly spicy and enjoyable. Very glad to have tried this.

Been a while since I have had this and it was time to sit and contemplate with a glass. I continue to fall more in love with Rye every month. Bright Copper Amber in Color. Distinctive Rye Aroma with some grain noted. Vanilla and vanilla spice as well. All-spice or maybe clove. As it opens the vanilla takes center stage. Flavor is much spicier than the nose hinted. Nice complexity, orange peel, all baking spices, perhaps a hint of Dill. Vanilla and sweetness near the finish. Spice lingers and provides a beautiful finish. I get this moment of lime peel twice in the glass. Touch of water is nice here. Spice pops in flavor along with vanilla and more caramel on the finish. Citrus head to the rear. Really nice and I raised my score even as I typed this. I'll be back!

In the past, I've mostly utilized Bulleit as a mixer in Manhattan's. Have been enjoying neat for several weeks and finally reviewing in it's right. Vanilla, cinnamon, oak and some sweetness make up the aroma. Got a whiff of green apple as well. Flavor is caramel, oak and lots of baking spice with a sweet finish leading to light pepper. The higher rye content seems evident in the spice notes. Enjoying more on it's own than I would have suspected. A little water muted the aroma to mostly sweet caramel. Some orange peel notes come out in the flavor. Glad I have made time to enjoy this a bit more.

A warm spot in my heart for this brand as I found a "handle" of it in my son's room when he was in high school. Light Amber/Gold in color. Floral Aroma which surprised me, this gave way to some fruit notes, almond, and some mint. Sweetness, cinnamon and later some vanilla. The first time I've had an 86 proof in a while and I could sense the lower abv. Little alcohol on the nose. Flavor was salty peanut and caramel. Vanilla and brown sugar notes. Nice, just not overly complex.

Light copper in color. Lots of oak in the Aroma and more wood notes than I remember. Rather light Aroma overall. Does open up with some baking spice and notably cinnamon. Not a great deal of sweetness in aroma or flavor. On the palate there is much more heat than other recent 100 proof items I've had. Couple drops of water brought out more pepper and Rye spice while muting the alcohol heat. I typically infuse my Rittenhouse with roasted peanuts and love it in that way. I will continue to enjoy in that fashion vs drinking in its original form.

This bottle was picked up last summer at Luke's on Cape Cod and is a store pick single barrel (#329) and I finally had a chance to enjoy and reflect in terms of a review. If there was an equivalent term for whiskey like "session beer" then it would apply to this. Just a pleasure to drink which is highly approachable. Not overly complex, but on value and pleasure it's great. Soft caramel and vanilla present both in aroma and flavor. Buttery feel and flavor linger. Lots of sweet corn, if not corn flake notes. Never even considered adding water.

Bright Copper in color. Aroma of baking spice with cinnamon and vanilla centered. First thought in first sip was herbal, touch of mint and a bit if pine. This settles to a nutty almond mid palate that lingers to the finish. Fruit opens up and vanilla takes the stage in the flavor. Black pepper on the finish. I had a moment of ripe banana. Few drops of water were a pleasant surprise. Chocolate, cinnamon come forward a bit with a hint of clove. Righteous oily mouthfeel. Late in the glass moments of honey and marzipan. Really Nice.

Deep Amber in Color, nose of Cherry and charred oak. Slight vanilla and lots of nutty notes, more pecan. Flavor is also nutty, with toasted or dark caramel. Peppery long finish. Certainly warming. Lots of tannins. After a few drops of water a floral Aroma found and more nut notes in flavor. More prickly with water. (posted this to specific batch as well) B518

Deep Amber in Color, nose of Cherry and charred oak. Slight vanilla and lots of nutty notes, more pecan. Flavor is also nutty, with toasted or dark caramel. Peppery long finish. Certainly warming. Lots of tannins. After a few drops of water a floral Aroma found and more nut notes in flavor. More prickly with water.