Copper Fox Inauguration Rye (Batch 2021)

The nose is very floral and fruity coming across immediately as sweet, but there is an interesting mix of smoke, leather and spice, but almost comes across as being peated. There is an astringent oak that follows that you could say is balanced out with vanilla. This is a very interesting and borderline strange rye, it's obviously picking up notes from the used bourbon barrels while imparting a distinct heat to it. As it breathes it quickly mellows out and let you explore more of those creamy nodes, but this is quite the quandary. The palate is dry and hot, filling the mouth with strong rice spice, charred oak, smoke and a bit of astringency. It's wildly bold while you also get some amount of smoother notes that will surely be more apparent on subsequent sips. It gets deliciously smooth and spicy, delivering creaminess and heat. This is a pretty wonderful rye If you are up for the challenge. The finish is long and spicy, not exactly something you want to chew on, as the lingering flavors give you plenty to think about. I'm particularly going to miss this one, I picked this up in 2021 when I responded to the January 6th riots and the presidential inauguration that year. I never thought I would finish this bottle but I guess this is the right time to do so. I feel very sentimental towards it and have always loved what a challenge it is to take a sip of it.