Tastes

As others have noted, it’s spicy on the palate and burns a bit going down. It’s kind of like swallowing a cat. Adding a cube of ice definitely opens it up a bit and brings out some sweeter notes. All in all it’s enjoyable but I prefer the Old Forester 100 proof, which is half the price.

First sniff: lots of heat, buckle up Second sniff: very sweet, warmth is still there. Well here goes nothin, fire in the hole! I was expecting to have my throat stripped based on the first sniff, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how drinkable this is. It’s potent, but doesn’t burn at all, just warms my belly. It’s compact, so I’m having trouble pulling out single flavors. But I’m getting sweetness, wood, and a shoe polish/varnish type taste that for some reason I enjoy? I really enjoy this, highly recommend, especially at this price point.

A trifecta of apple, vanilla and Smokey spice all in perfect balance. Nice sweet finish that stays w me a while.

Full disclosure, I have little to compare to in the Rye department. However, I really enjoyed this. Light spices up front and a surprisingly smooth back end. Might have to explore more Rye’s after this one.

Picked up a bottle for the boys this winter. It’s a great sipper with tons of flavor offerings. Tastes like roasting pepper corns over an open fire on a tidal beach.

A camp fire in my mouth, and that’s a good thing! If you enjoy peat you will enjoy this.

Full disclosure, it was a limited taste, a free sample at Costco. So keep that in mind when I say that it tasted like someone sprinkled Splenda on a can of corn and aged it for 12 seconds. Whiskey flavored vodka comes to mind.

Lighter fuel that‘s delicately aged in a toilet.