BDanner
Reviewed
January 25, 2018 (edited October 21, 2024)
JD Rye (tried neat in a glencairn) has a sweet nose. Redolent of Juicy Fruit Gum and bananas with just a hint of the dill note found in ryes lurking in the back. Some time in the glass brings out some oak. It enters light on the palate. Again, Juicy Fruit Gum, Banana Cream Pie, Vanilla, peanut and light oak. You don't pick up the spicy, tingly rye until the back end where it pairs with a slight jolt from the 90 proof. Finishes lightly astringent with with the banana and oak coating and lingering. A few drops of water really amps up the banana and brings a note of sweet tea to the mix, but mutes the rye tingle. My experience with JD is the standard expression and the Gentleman. This leaves both in the dust. I really liked it. I have yet to try it in a cocktail, but be prepared if using in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan that the Lincoln County Process leaves this sweeter and less spicy than most ryes and even some Bourbons. I applaud JD for a unique product. You have your barely legal 51% ryes (Beam, WT, Rittenhouse, etc) and your 95% ryes (any number of MGP sourced juice), but this one is unique at 70% rye and the LC Process. For under $30, I will definitely buy again.