Four Gate Ruby Rye Springs (Batch 11)

Not as hot or as flavorful as the reviews. Expected a lot more vsnilla amd caramel. Much prefer Angels Rye.

Nose - spicy rye and caramel, like a high rye bourbon with lots of vanilla as well, some grape, brown sugar and a bit of citrus Palette - spice forward, pretty thick, sharp rye spice and hot cinnamon, rich caramel after the spice Finish - long lasting citrus and rye spice, long hot burn

NOSE: Juicy rye spice, oak, grapey sweetness, dried dark fruit,  char, touch soap and slight anise and herbal notes. Not a super complex aroma, but it is heavy and brooding in a way that gives a nice perspective to a traditional rye. PALATE: Heavy rye spice, grapey sweet, oak, raspberry syrup, toffee and some herbal notes. Reminds me of a juicy IPA with the combination of the dry spice, slight herbal and juicy fruity sweetness. FINISH: Long -> Rye spice, oak, juicy sweetness fade out to a tannic dryness that somehow works...  Four Gate Ruby Rye Springs you're odd and I like that.

Oh another fun add to distiller. So 7 year MGP rye casks finished 45 days in Ruby Port. These were active casks guys so don't let that 45 days make you think this was a cheap effort. It doesn't at least come off that way and that's what matters. Nose - Slightly vegetable and medicinal with deep fruity elements in the back. Strong spice character. There's bubble gum more rye sweetness but there is an unmistakable ethanol note that isn't going anywhere and reminds you that rye might taste good at 7 years but it isn't yet a refined and well aged expression either. I'm never a huge fan of the way rye's smell and this while no exception is much more aromatic than most rye. Water teases out more vanilla and starts to give me caramel bourbon like notes. The spices tame and the ruby port is left a bit less confused by them. Taste - The flavor is of big bold rye casks with a mix of star anise, pepper, stringing alcohol, vanilla, custard, that rye fruit note I get on every MGP, and then yes the port casks just turn up the sweet MGP rye notes to 11. Similar to the nose water brings down the spice a bit, though there's still a nice kick on the finish and provides a more mellow experience. I'd advocate for less water than I added (which wasn't much) but the every so slightest drop unless a rye punch in the face is your jam. Overall a very nice whisky. 84-85 for me and for this site about a 2.5. If you are a fan of MGP rye and like finishing I think you'll be pleased with this but you'd likely want 25-50 bucks off the msrp.