Pikesville Straight Rye

Have heard good things about this Rye but it’s pretty expensive up here in Canada so never pulled the trigger. Well it was inevitable so here we are. The nose starts of very soft and subtle, almost like a Canadian Rye. Herbal tea and something reminding me of Concord grapes take up the middle. Musty hay and leather are at the back and are joined by a sharp ethanol later which is my cue to stop sniffing and take a sip. Palate delivers exactly what the nose said it would. More herbal tea, gobs of malted barley and baking spice, but ohhh sooo restrained. The oils make this low and slow, with lots of flavour but no drama. Most ryes are spicy in their own right, and being 55% I thought it would try and slap me around, but it doesn’t try. It actually builds over time and actually leads you into an actual finish. That finish is quite long, with molasses, vanilla, pepper and oak all jumping in and out but kept within an envelope of warmth thanks to the proof.. this is where it delivers the 110. This is indeed a great dram, and one that not only tastes but feels absolutely different then most other mid range Ryes out there. If it’s in your budget you should snag it!

Cinnamon, apricot, allspice

This is a favourite Rye. Dark, rich, almost creamy. There is good spice too, and a bit of rye grain note, but the edges have been rounded out and it makes for a fanastic sipper. A must for any rye fan at some point on their journey.