Pikesville Straight Rye

So my note is actually for Pikesville Supreme 80 proof Straight Rye Whiskey. I tasted it against Rittenhouse, my favorite rye. The nose (Pikesville) initially was strongly ethanol with mint and oak, mellowing with time in the glass to a buttery caramel. I tasted grassy cereal before a quick spicey burn with anise that lasted through a long finish. With a few drops of water the nose turned slightly yeasty and the flavor was sweeter and the burn was slower. The finish was a nice lingering spicey anise glow. As nice a dram as it was though, it was hands-down advantage to the Rittenhouse which was sharper, cleaner, sweet-tartier (spell check didn't like that word), with a nicer oily-sweet lingering finish. FWIW, Old Overholt straight from a pocket flask had characteristics of both.

V enjoyable. Couple of drops of water...Nice sweet finish.