Mammoth 12 Year Borrowed Time Small Batch Rye

Rating: 16/23 N: The first thing that hits is a caramel sweetness. It's on the light side but has some surprisingly decadent Christmas notes of plum pudding and eggnog. Past that, there are clean, dry herbs, along with rye spice. Hints of glacé apricots and lemon zest. I really have to commend this for its sweetness and lack of off flavors. This is a really hedonistic nose, which is a real surprise considering that it's fairly light. P: Big spiciness, but with a sweetness underneath it that is rich but not super full. It has a little caramel richness going on, but I really do get that eggnog creaminess in the flavor profile. The spices get herbal and really scream rye, more than most other drams come close to. As I go on, I taste more cinnamon and vanilla coming out specifically. Maybe hints of dark chocolate. There's more burn than I'd like, particularly considering the palate's light flavor, but it really tastes authentically rye in a way that few other drams manage. F: This gets unfortunately bitter. The spices remain, along with a long herbal flavor and hints of vanilla. Unfortunately, it isn't a chocolatey or leathery bitterness that remains, but more of a bland herbal flavor with a vegetal hint. Not a good bitterness is what I'm saying. Long, long on the finish, there are some light hints of tropical fruit. - Conclusion - This is a very good example of a slowly-aged rye that makes a point of really being a rye. It fits its niche well, but it certainly is challenging and even getting past the difficult part it isn't super fun. That isn't to say that this isn't enjoyable to drink (it is), but there isn't really a wow-factor beyond it being a prime example of its category. I wouldn't go below a 15 here, but I don't see an 18 happening. Side-by-side, this is beating Pikesville (16/23), but it's seeing some solid competition from Whistlepig Piggyback (16/23). I'd sooner call this a 17 than a 16, but it seems like right now it's yet another 16 rye.

Banana nut bread with caramel, maple or honey for sure. Spicy, smooth and sweet. Great rye

One of the best Ryes I've had. Super smooth, full bodied and spicy. This is going to be a go to rye in my collection.

I picked up this bottle of Maria's Mammoth 12 year rye on Christmas Eve. This is my second bottle of Mammoth anything, but the first that I've opened. I have a Smitty's rye from over a year ago I haven't gotten around to yet so I'm not sure what to expect. So, in the glass, this has a very light golden color. If I didn't know better I'd guess this was a Scotch or Irish whisky. It has a sweet and delicate nose. I do get the rye of course, but I think I also get some of the malted barley. It wouldn't surprise me if this has more than the usual 3-5% barley in the mash bill. Up front on the palate this has a bit of light caramelly vanilla. Maybe a little green apple peel. The rye comes on strong in the middle and has a really nice spice from the rye - it actually starts to approach something like a red pepper flake. On the finish the pepper fades and you're left with a bunch of bright florals. I've gotta improve my palate in regard to these flavors I've only been able to describe as floral. It's the same way I describe an IPA - tastes like drinking flowers. Overall I like this. It's got a little more of the vanilla and caramel than some cheaper ryes. And I think that's probably due to the age - 12 years is a good amount of time for some of the more harsh flavors to mellow. I'm just a little surprised at the color for such an old whiskey. Definitely interested to compare/contrast with my Smitty's Mammoth pick!

Warm baking spice and bread on the palate. Lots of nice cinnamon. A little heat but not overpowering. Long slick oily finish with classic rye tasting notes. Love this offering out of northern Michigan.