Balcones Texas Rye Cask Strength Single Barrel (Spec's Pick)

A little hot for me but with a little ice it is very nice

Super powerful at first but really comes alive with a few minutes of the ice cube melting. Spicy and chocolate finish. So much personality in this rye. Definitely my favorite rye to sip.

Barrel No. 19998 Age 2 years Bottled on 04-29-20 Open 5 months Nose - Chocolate coffee malt, imperial stout, rye grain, dry oak, burnt marshmallow, and strong ethanol. Palate - Ground coffee and cocoa beans, unsweetened dark chocolate, rye bread, light toffee, huge punch of oak and ethanol. Long finish with dry and hot oak, rye spice, and ethanol. It can be overwhelming amounts of heat and oak if you don't take small sips. My opinion on this drastically changed from first crack to now. When I split this with my friend we both thought this might be the best thing we've ever tasted. It tasted like cask strength Brown Forman whiskey with slightly more rye bread, chocolate, and molasses. It was a 5/5 no question. But after being open a few weeks it changed significantly. The sweet notes faded and it got much hotter, oakier, drier, and grainier. Cocoa beans, coffee grounds, and oak chips are all I can think of with every sip. I do not drink coffee, which I think has a big influence on my opinion. Even if you like this flavor profile, the heat and viscosity will overwhelm your palate. This is one of those whiskeys where you'll slowly sip one glass for 45 min and probably won't reach for a second.

Very unique flavor profile. I’m getting a peat and molasses finish. Almost like a scotch/rye.

Great toasty rye. Brown sugar and butter on the nose. Huge chocolate finish. It’s honestly amazing. Best rye I’ve ever had. Probably top 3 whiskeys.