Tastes

Definitely my least favorite Master’s Keep release to date. The nose is somewhat dry with a bold aroma of Oak, nutmeg & all spice. Oak is present again on the palette along with light hints of caramel & orange peel. The proof is low which leaves the mouthfeel a bit thin and the finish a bit brief. This is good don’t get me wrong, it’s just me least favorite MK.

Have rated before but this store pick from Byron’s blew away my previous experience. This had a very round and viscous quality with sweet notes but also spice near the end and a good finish.

As a single barrel there will be some fine nuances but I definite got fruity notes like banana in the nose and an overwhelming Caramel presence throughout the flavor. The finish isn’t long but it’s only a 90proof dram.

A mighty fine single barrel expression though there are others I prefer. This had similar notes to its Small Batch brother but tones down the spice a bit and amps the vanilla cream/caramel essence. A touch harder to find and pricier due to its allocated status.

My pleasant surprise bottle of 2019. As the reviewer states there are definite notes of cider, wood/cedar and some spice. The flavor adds to the spice and tapers to a bold, moderate length finish.

So I wanted to like this more than I did in the end. It has a unique nose, primarily from the vermouth of course, which I find slightly berry but also cough syrup medicinal. The flavor is nice up front with a decent mouthfeel but the finish is a bit tannic and left much to be desired. I’m a huge fan of HW Double Rye and the price of Yippee just left me all the more disappointed.

This is so darn good. This is a magnificent blend of Bourbon with sweet, creamy notes yet has the baking spice and backbone of a Rye. The proof is low but makes for one heck of a long sipper.

Such a fine, all purpose Rye for neat, ice or cocktails with a rather hefty proof & fair price point.

This Rye has more local street cred than the expert rater has given it. Yes this is quite unique but it is fantastic. The nose is unmistakable maple syrup, brown sugar & a nice Rye mint backdrop. The palette is a mixture of dark stone fruit, aged rum and really good Rye flavors. This gives quite the firm handshake for only coming in at 100proof though. Warning- it is sweet.

A nice sipping Single Barrel expression. I liked this better than the original Small Batch version as it had less heat and a nicer overall blend of spice, light barrel char and vanilla. This particular bottle was 8.5 years.