NULU Toasted Single Barrel Rye

Seems like everyone wants in on the toasted barrels these days. Nulu took a slightly different approach by toasting a Rye. I am not sure where I stand on this concept, but it is something a little unusual and I am always game for that. This one is an A&B store pick. Nose is typical Rye on this pour. I guess I was expecting a little something more, but unfortunately it is pretty standard. First sip brings a soft Rye backbone, but there are hints of sweetness maybe even cheeries on the edges. Just as these notes start to get interesting you are with a strong pepper burn that washes over everything and leaves you with a pronounced heavy burn finish that isn't all that great. By the time the burn fades you are left without anything special on the tail. Overall I am disappointed in this bottle. I also grabbed a Nulu straight bourbon that I will review later that was significantly better. This could have been something to sip on and enjoy the complexity, but the harsh burn just does it in. I would just skip the Ryes from Nulu entirely and stick with the Bourbons. At the price point this is a wall on by bottle.

Tastes like a red hot candy, light dark chocolate taste, strong cinnamon smell. Long slow after taste. Needed water to open up.

The Toasty Hulk - 119.2 - 4y6m r63t N: barrel char, coconut, vanilla, ethanol, citrus P: caramel, rye spice, citrus, floral, mint, vanilla pudding, dill F: long, cinnamon, caramel, rye spice