Pikesville Straight Rye

First time not enjoyed. Second time spicy, dry, lasting.

Maryland versus Pennsylvania is *the* rye debate. OK, maybe not, but much like how much of Western philosophy can be (over)reduced to a question of Plato vs Aristotle, rye whiskey tends to fall, for me, into two categories: mellower, sweeter ryes with plenty of other grains (usually corn) in the mash bill (aka Maryland style ryes), or punch-you-up spicy ryes that usually have very little of anything else in them (Pennsylvania style ryes). This is Maryland through and through, with a rich mouthfeel that delivers plenty of cinnamon, caraway, and spice, with the tiniest hint of dill, but wrapped up in enough of a blanket of caramel sweetness to soften the impact. Very enjoyable stuff!

Nice. Sweet and long on the tongue. Slightly spicy but no burn. Very bold flavor.