Lock Stock & Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey 16 Year

I was given a sample of this from a local friend who has given up on drinking spirits. I’m not sure if this stuff is rare, expensive or hard to find. I’m not even sure what a bottle costs. I just know it’s a 16 year old, 100% Canadian rye whiskey. It’s bottled at 53.5% and is dark copper in the tasting glass. Heavy droplets curve the entire rim and it makes lots of legs. The nose it typical rye spice, pepper a little pine and dill with an underlying vanilla and oak note. The palate is hot and peppery baking spices, sugary cola with a nice hint of bubble gum on the tail end. To be 100% rye, it’s not overpowering at all- even at 54%. I think that’s what I like the most about it. I’m not a big rye person, so when I get one that seems really well restrained I feel like I can enjoy it more. That was the case here. The finish was medium length, oily with some lingering oak notes. Overall, it’s very easy drinking with a lighter than expected mouthcoat and feel. I’m glad I was able to give this one a try as I aim to expand my American bourbon and rye portfolio. Thanks to my buddy @RyanS1865 for this one. 4 stars. Cheers.

Delicious. Flavors of caramel, pepper, dried fruit, and baking spices.

While I had tasted it for the first time, I thought it was secondary to L.S.&B. 13yo.... But while I finished the whole bottle, I tend to love it more. Definitely less fruity & brown spices notes than 13yo, while enhancing the floral & savory spices characters.