Tastes

Smooth is the word with this limited release. Very balanced with a unique flavor profile. It doesn't drink like a typical rye. There is a bit of back of the mouth heat on the finish, but no real spice or cinnamon. The grassy barn like flavors are definitely there but not enough to make it a negative. It almost has an American Malt flavor to it. It is strange because I do not care for American Malt, but I really like this. It is pricey, but all of the WP offerings seem to be. Strange as it seems, I like this better than the WP 10yr. This limited expression will not last long so get a taste while you can.

This review is going to be difficult for me. I met the man behind Lonerider at a culinary conference in Raleigh, NC a few years ago. He is a really good guy and his microbrews are fantastic. I am partial to the Shotgun Betty hefeweizen. A friend shared a sample to taste of the Sherry cask finished bourbon. The flavors, while not remarkable, are not bad. There are no off flavors or lingering swill aftertastes. There is apple and other fruity tones in the nose and initial taste, but not a lot of anything remarkable. I can definitely taste the Sherry cask influence which softens up flavors a bit. I like what this offers, but I have a couple problems. This is sourced juice. I understand the, "necessity" and I am okay with that. It is locally finished and bottled but, why would one buy this? This brings nothing really extra to the party. Also, it is not a particularly affordable bottle either. For the $40 I can score many of my go-to bottles.(see my fair ratings) I know the good folks at Lonerider believe in themselves and know how to create good beverage. I will just have to be patient and wait for their home juice in few years. Again, this is why distillers like New Riff get extra points from me. Whenever you see Lonerider Shotgun Betty on tap at a watering hole, order a pour. It's especially good with assertive foods. (Ribs, wings etc).

I like wheaters and this one fits the bill. The nose is very alcohol forward. Very strong alcohol. After a bit, some of the alcohol dissipates. A bit of apple cuts through along with browned butter. The flavors are of what you would expect from wheated bourbon. The alcohol is not noticeable in the flavor profile. I get a lot of butter and apple. Almost like apple pie without spices added. The mouth feel is thick and smooth. The same with the finish. It's warm and lingers nicely. After a splash of water, the butter flavors warm up even more, but some unexpected heat arrives.??? It really is a nice pour. I am afraid I have to rate it on flavor between Maker's and Maker's 46. However, at $19.99 and 100 proof, it has to be closer to 46 for the money. I really can't find much fault with it.

I made a review of this in fall 2018 under the 100 proof bottle. Now that someone has requested the 86 proof that is available in NC, I moved it here. Fairly good whiskey. A bit too much alcohol on the nose, and in the mouth. Not very complex, but no off notes or rot-gut flavors. A splash of water brought out sweetness and softened up the finish. I certainly recommend this with chilled water. This is by far a better pour for $11.95 a bottle than anything else I have tried. Give it a try.

Another cinnamon adventure. This is hot but not intolerable. A splash of cool water tames it down. The 114 brings flavor to go along with the cinnamon spice. Vanilla of course, and some burnt caramel. The spice does overpower other more subtle flavors which is why it doesn't get closer to 4 stars. It is a good $30 value.

Greensboro Buyers Club tasting via @ridethalightin. This blend is nothing short of incredible. Way too expensive, but great none the less. Great bourbon flavor and great rye notes. It is different than just a high rye bourbon. It is really better than the sum of it's parts IMO. Try it at a bar, or like I did... borrow a pour.

I don't get this. 10 star is good. Just offer regular and 10 star. Why even sell this stuff. Highly disappointing.

Greensboro Buyers Club courtesy of @ridethalightin I like this, which does not surprise me given my like for the Double Rye. I can tell the finishing in the flavors. However, at twice the price of the DR, it is not twice as good. if I were going to drop over $70 for a bottle of High West, it would certainly be Rendezvous Rye which is my fav of all HW.

Man this is good, just not $85 good. All you would expect from the WP.