Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye

Taste: Cinnamon with bite

Bee liquors

Rickhouse: No. 1 Batch: 004 Batch Size: 30 Barrels Dumped On: 4/2/22 Proof: 117.5 ABV: 58.75%

Full details - Rackhouse #1, Batch 2, dumped 11/23/21, and 116 Proof...nose is light (as is the body) - corn and a nutty note emerge quickly giving me a feel of a light whiskey, but a few deeper inhalations produces more of the rye spice...including some grassiness and lemony citrus, and there's surely some ethanol at the backend. Interesting...I can see how this could be polarizing (and, to be honest, confusing), but its unique at any rate. Flavor starts off a bit on the hot side of the spectrum - definitely some cinnamon, before some of the spice and citrus emerge. While a bit of water doesn't do much to change the profile, a bit of glass time brings out a bit more on the palate. So, this is on the sweeter end of the spectrum for rye whiskey pours, and admittedly it does feel a bit youthful at times, so I understand a bit of the criticism. A touch of oak at the initial sip, but it fades quickly, and the finish isn't particuarly long, which is a bit surprising for the proof. I've warmed up to this pour over time, appreciating the unique qualities, but recognize that it isn't the best value pour on the market right now. Now, I've nipped the KY Sweet Mash, and look forward to rating that down the road...

This is the barrel strength single barrel store pick. It definitely had a smooth and interesting taste. It’s not worth the price to me but at a lower price point, most definitely.