Michter's US*1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye (2023 Release)

NYE 2023. Complex and very spicy at first- after a few sips, starts getting sweeter. Ginger and clove notes remind me of a gingerbread cookie; I also taste a bbq smokiness and some rye.

Ginger, clove, anise. Strong rye spices, burnt popcorn and toasted marshmellow Long lingering rye finish. Smoke. Complex with heat.

Good barrel flavor and nose. Liked initially, but as time went on with ice, I liked even more. Woody tobacco notes. Very nice.

Nose - Super smokey, lots of char leather and oak. Almost like a high west campfire but more balanced. Turns into the smell of bbq, savory meats with touches of bbq sauce. After opening up more, its turns into a caremel bomb. Palate - Super savory, all the mesquite bbq comes through so much. Little bits of dark sweetness comes through, pops of caramel or dulce de leche. Just so smokey, it really is the frontal note on all fronts. Finish - More of that savory smokiness. Not long and not hot, quite nice and light at the end.

Unanimously won blind tasting against 2022 GTS, RR13, Willet 8 yr, JD 2x barreled and JD 27 gold