Tastes

Prefer Colonel Taylor (even just Small Batch) over this, despite this being aged slightly longer, as Colonel Taylor is 100 proof (with Barrel Proof available too). Rich.

Sometimes I prefer over Maker's Mark Cask Strength (due to greater complexity and Maker's sweetness), but other times I find its too harsh, and lacking any sweetness and prefer the Maker's Cask Strength. I look forward to trying Weller 12yr and Maker's 46, however.

50 / 100. Spicy but with a smooth finish, though no sweetness. A good introductory bourbon, by Sazerac/Buffalo Trace, and suggested by Total Wine. An oaky high rye bourbon, though not has high proof as I prefer. Comparable to (and sometimes preferred to) the low proof (46.1%) releases of Old Scout Single Barrel 10yr bourbon. Much preferred over the 1792 with its unattractive aftertaste.

The worst non-scotch whiskey I have ever tasted (out of 50, primarily bourbon and rye whiskies).

Best non-blended (non High West) MGP rye I've had, better than Bulleit and Russell's Reserve Ryes.

Unattractive sweet and sour dill finish and palate. I prefer Bulleit Rye or the sweeter (though too much so, as its charcol filtered) George Dickel MGP Ryes over this, despite likely shorter aging. This is no where near as good as the High West Double Rye and even better Rendezvous Rye blended ryes.

2.6 / 5. Spicy, lacks complexity, but not overly sweet or watered down like other typical MGP ryes. I usually prefer this over Russell's Reserve Rye, despite its longer 6yr aging, due to that having a strange taste in a fair number of tastings. Ryes I prefer over this (in ascending order): George Dickel Rye (similar MGP Rye, but charcoal filtered for mellow sweetness), Sazerac, High West Double Rye, Knob Creek Rye, Colonel Taylor Rye, and Willett 3yr Rye. I'm looking forward to trying Pikesville Rye, and even better Rendezvous Rye and Midwinter Night's Dram. This is