[8/2/15] Another grab at the store in Orlando, a hot summer night seemed perfect to break this one out. Nose is barrel sweet and soft pepper. First sip indicates the soft pepper was deceiving. Drank straight this is very spicy pepper. The barrel sweetness helps balance this out. The aftertaste has a hint of bitter but I can't tell the origin. Will trust the experts that it is mint, definitely something green and floral. A touch of caramel and charcoal in there somewhere. I expected to be wowed, this is more a high 80s whiskey for me than a 90, but definitely one of my favorite ryes.

I tried this on the rocks, very smooth and the flavor profile was open and inviting. There is a big bold rye and spice flavor that smooths out to a bitter finish. I can't say that this would be my absolute favorite Beam product, but it is definitely worth the bottle.