Tastes

Batch 10. Dillish rye notes on the nose, with some sweet fruit and musty wood notes as well. Some clove honey. Herbal on the palate, with some cinnamon and salt, a hint of red fruit, mint, and an astringent, pungent wood taste that permeates. The vermouth has definitely imbibed this with sweetness. 9/10/17

Fruity, almost sour, malt on the nose. Some butterscotch and charred sugar as well. Mouthfeel is thick, almost sticky. Sweet, sharp, a bit of smoke, and malty graininess. Very slight nuttiness. Finishes with sea salt chocolate, and a lingering but mild spice. The peat is detectable but is light and in the background. Flavorful yet not unbalanced, with decent heat. This has something for everyone. I'm not a peated guy, but if I'm drinking an Islay, I'm probably reaching for this bottle. 9/9/17

Strong fermented juice and rye spice on the nose. Very smooth on the palate, with a silky mouthfeel. Orchard fruit dominates, followed by a hint of wood and a slight alcoholy, bitter note that perhaps turns into cacao nibs. Surprising warmth going down; it's no Kentucky hug but it's more than you would expect for 80 proof. It's a pleasant sipper especially if you want an enjoyable drink for a mindless session, but for other times it may be too subtle. 9/6/17

Batch 54, 60.7% ABV. Strong sherry on the nose. Earthy malt, followed by a smooth sweetness, finishes with tea. Creamy. This tastes like thick sweet tea with orange zest. Very slight smokiness. With a splash of water there's more dark chocolate. 9/1/17

Classic rye flavors, in a strong way, but pleasant as well. Good spice, balanced by sweetness and wood notes. Great retail price point. 9/1/17 The sweet clove/herbal note is distinct. Crowd pleaser. 1/20/18

Batch 02. Relatively light on the nose. Some char and brown sugar. Sweet immediately. Heat next. Some caramelized sugar, pepper, and astringent wood. Some black cherry. Spicy. A little thin. Slight bitterness, maybe cacao, at the end. 8/26/17

Floral rye and a hint of vinegar on the nose. Herbal, very herbal. Some anise, dill, a bit of spice. Not many hints of corn at all. Surprisingly smooth. Some bitterness lingers. For a rye lover, this will be pleasant. 8/26/17

137.9 proof. Oak and coconut on the nose, some sting as well. A bit acidic on the palate, definite rye spice, although the finish is somewhat short. Some sweetness, dark chocolate. The fruit component lingers a bit. Definitely drink smoother than the proof would suggest. 8/23/17

14 year, Barrel 8o8, 63.3%, 17/134. Smells of deep honey and caramel. Surprisingly, there's a malt note. On the palate, a bit sharp, but full. The deep caramel carries over. A bit of a nutty aftertaste. Delicious. 8/23/17 21 years, Barrel C13A, 145 proof, "Red Eye." Stings on the nose. Doesn't drink as hot as you would think. Great pour. Wood, vanilla, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. Some zest. Long finish. 5 stars. 8/23/17 5-yr. Initially the nose was thin but it opened up after a few minutes. Some honey, wood, and slight brine and mustiness. Cinnamon sugar on the palate. Not as deep as some of the older WFE I've had but the layers are there. Good level of flavorful spice, just the right amount of heat, pleasant wood, and medium sweetness. Good stuff. 9/13/17 23 year, 67% abv, barrel 296, bottle 4/100. Deep caramel, oak, fruit on the nose. Wow on the palate. Great spice, sweetness, heat, all three notes linger. Hint of fruit that was on the nose pops up again on the finish. Not too oaky. This kills. 10/16/17 14 years, 124.2 proof, barrel no. 1419, "Piloncillo" bottle (91/94) at Jack Rose. Syrupy nose, deep sugars. Fragrant. Sweet and intense on the palate. Sharp and creamy at the same time. Wood and spice that lingers, with bitterness. The sharp wood notes are a bit too strong for my liking. 3 stars. 10/18/18 12 years, 124.8 proof, barrel 49122/104 bottles. Clean nose. Pleasant, smooth, with a burst of peanuts at the end. Butter. Like brittle. Some cologne spice at the end. 4 stars.

Familiar fresh wheater nose. Intense, with a bit of leather as well. After a few minutes, lots of caramel and butterscotch, even a hint of cocoa. So smooth on the tongue. Coats your mouth, very rich. Sweet but not overly so. Nice cinnamon spice. Slight salt and bitterness. A lingering leather, charry, baking spice note. Wow. 8/23/17