Old Overholt Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey

Very spicy, decent sipper probably better as a mixer

Rittenhouse is my goto rye for Manhattans or Old Fashioneds. I picked this up more out of curiosity to see if it could overtake my rye staple. Maybe I have been blinded or too far down the path with my goto cocktail rye. Is there something better (and cheaper)? The aromas are light and faint for a rye. There is the expected rye and/or pumpernickel notes. Bread dough with a yeasty quality. Cola with lemon, browned bananas, vanilla and sugar glazing. The body is lightweight and brings forth lightweight flavor. A spicy, black peppery bite. Diluted vanilla, brown sugar, oak. Very small and limited. An oak and cola finish with a bit of char with a bitter out of tune bitterness. An affordable rye/whiskey, and delivers exactly what it was intended (for the price). Holds up as a mixer because of its alcohol strength. Use as a mixer as the flavors are sparse and will need to be complimented with additional components (vermouth for instance). For a few dollars more, Rittenhouse is much better. Deeper and richer flavors which really enhances and makes the Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Will definitely look past this future forward. [$19][83/100][Tasted: 11/27/20]

Pour begins with a high spice rye bourbon with notes of black pepper, butterscotch, vanilla, ethanol heat, touch of mild smokiness, orange marmalade. Taste begins with a butterscotch disc, massive burn transitioning to buttered popcorn then a vegetal v8 note then some meatiness and a spicy hot finish. A touch of red hots with burnt caramel or marshmallow.