High West Double Rye

I was not expected so much vanilla but it’s well balanced and finished spicy then after a minute a creamy anise marshmallow character smooths it out

I picked this up as a cheap alternative to my standard Rittenhouse mixer. Stir the pot and senses. At $25, if the experiment goes sideways, it’s not with significant damage to the wallet. To quote an 80’s movie (I will leave you guessing at which 80’s movie), “Sometimes you have to say what the f***”!” An almost corn-based aroma with a touch of dill, pumpernickel, rye, vanilla, clove and nutmeg. The nose senses these aromas as if they were diluted. Upon first sip, a small wave of black pepper, cinnamon tingles the palate followed by a soft vanilla and caramel sweetness. Woody dryness slight tempers the sweetness. As it fades, spearmint infused wood lightly coates the palate with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is medium short and just like that it’s over. An average rye. Nothing that blows your skirt up. As a mixer, it didn’t quite wow me either in an old fashioned or Manhattan. Quote ordinary cocktail mixer. However, it is an affordable purchase. But all things being equal, the same dollar is better spent on Rittenhouse or Sazerac. Not sure I would repurchase. But, was a painless experiment. [82/100][$26][Tasted: 12/3/22]

Nose - nice corn essence with slight vanilla, slight burn on the nose Taste - quite smooth with more vanilla Finish - easy finish with a slight burn left on the tongue Score - 3.5 Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate

bright amber color, medium viscosity - nose: just enough alcohol, some sweetness, licorice - taste: spicy (rye) with woody aftertaste and some herbal notes, drier than sweet, medium-bold finish for a light/young spirit