Pikesville Straight Rye

Neck pour Neat Glencairn Appearance: Bronze and amber in color. This whiskey clings to the glass, and forms a nice crown before developing legs. Nose: Black pepper, red pepper flakes, fingernail polish, musty rickhouse, fresh rye bread Palate: Black pepper spice, syrupy sweetness - like a cherry cola, Coco Pebbles, heavy cream Finish: Chocolate cereal, tobacco leaf and heavy cream linger long after the whiskey is gone. Cinnamon candy, like Red Hots or Hot Tamales. An excellent rye expression, deserving of the accolades. I am delightfully surprised with how complex the neck pour is, and cannot wait to see how a little oxidation further opens this up. 90/100 This was given to me as a gift from two good friends. Thanks @trentoniousmaximus and @travhernandez

A "barely legal" rye and the higher proof older brother of Rittenhouse Rye, a favorite mixer. I've heard a ton of positive things about this. My favorite ryes so far have been the Russell's Reserve single barrel rye (excellent, heavy spearmint and white sugar profile) and Willett Rye (even better, what I'd describe as honey soaked flowers with a spectacular finish). Where does this place? This one has a bourbon-style caramel nose with the slightest hint of spice. The first several times I've tried this, it's actually been pretty muted but nice. It certainly doesn't scream rye, merely a nice bourbon. No burn or ethanol, the proof is super friendly. On the palate and finish, it delivers what I was hoping for - a Willett style honeyed floral taste! It has almost the exact same characteristics as that wonderful Willett Rye, just a little less complicated and intense. The Willett is about $56 an is unmistakeably superior. However, this is only $42. So basically, this is 75% as good as Willett Rye, but also only 75% of the price. It's a winner in my book and I'll look to stock this, particularly if I can't land a Willett or if my wallet is hurting a bit. Good stuff.

A lot going on here. The nose and palate change from sip to sip, day to day. That's a good thing- complexity is welcome always. Solid all around. Lives up to the hype. It's a must-try bottle. Maybe you'll come back for more - maybe not. Whatever - its good, and it's 110 proof. Sooooo... yeah.