Castle & Key Single Barrel Restoration Rye (2023)

Liquor City Uncorked pick, "Gallenstein Selection #2" Barrel No. 5852 Age - 3 years 60.5% abv; 121.1 proof Open 5 months Nose - Cereal grain, pound cake, citrus peel, vanilla frosting, cinnamon, cardamon, white pepper, eucalyptus, minimal oak, and medium ethanol. Palate - Lemon custard, gingerbread, white pepper, fresh bread, juniper, mineral water, and dill. Finish is medium-long with sharp grain, cracked peppercorns, chalk, spiced vanilla, lemon oil, and strong ethanol. This is surprisingly good for the age. I've been wary of Castle & Key, mainly based on YouTube reviews and a couple of my Facebook groups. But I've been able to try their bourbons and ryes at free tastings at The Party Source, and was impressed with almost every bottle. It is eerily similar to Wilderness Trail Rye. That sweet mash process radically changes what you think a rye should taste like. I have no regrets buying this, but I'd love to see what their ryes taste like at 4-5 years.

Great sweet Cherry nose, solid proof, rich, full cherry and long spicy finish

Surprisingly smooth to start, strong cinnamon and caramel before a long, hot finish