Michter's US*1 Barrel Strength Rye

(Barrel #16D464 | 56.2% ABV) Nose - Oaky spicy vanilla, hint of dark/burnt sugars, faint cherry cough syrup sweetness. Taste - Juicy dark red berries, faint sweet mint, light vanilla caramel, cinnamon spice on the back palate, lightly bitter oaked sweet white wine. Finish - Lingering mouth warmth, lightly drying. Watered down oaked sour cherries with a sweet herbal tail. Score - 86/100 Final Thoughts - Looking back at my notes it's nice to see they are pretty similar to the "standard" Single Barrel offering of their rye which is nice to know at least they're somewhat consistent. That being said, they both have gone through their "signature filtration" process which I think has sadly removed some of the more complex flavors that might make this more interesting. This is a somewhat fruity rye which I do like, but it's still a bit muted. Unlike the standard rye, the higher proof might help this stand out in cocktails a bit more but otherwise it seems pretty boring, albeit sippable. I'm not sure I'd pick up another bottle especially for the price I typically see it sold for.

Sweet, spicy, rich, long, syrupy. Hot sweet juicy cherries, some dark chocolate notes at the end. Truely delicious.