291 Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey (Batch #1)

As I looked at my quartet of @distillery291 bottles, I'm not sure what possessed me to make this selection, but I went for the highest proof to start. Would you have done the same? Barrel Proof Rye 65.8% 131.7 proof, Barrel 667: While the proof initially made my nose twinge a touch, it's nowhere near the ethanol punch I had braced myself for. There's a woody-meets-refreshing musk that deviates from typical oaky scents (...likely some aspen wood stave magic!). It evokes an image of a rugged person wearing a worn leather jacket taking confident strides in a rainstorm. As it opens, ginger and citrus add a syrupy kiss on the cheek to that cologne-conjured individual. Had neat, this does sip quick and hot. I am a cask-strength-enjoying kind of gal, but in the spirit of doing this whiskey full justice, I added a few drops of water to my pour. Game changer. Water slows the pace of the taste so I can enjoy a flash of stewed fruit and a crescendo of savoury pepper and oak. The finish is long as the spice wanes, laced with charred wood and hint of petrol. I really love the aroma of this one neat, but I would highly recommend experimenting with a touch of water for consumption. 7.75/10 *Note: Each these bottles were tasted independently with a fresh palate per pour. Proofs in these samples are slightly higher than what is being widely released.

Couldn’t find the non-barrel proof in search. Tried the 100 proof. Was good. $80 good? I’m 50/50 on that.