Pikesville Straight Rye

Flavor profile was lacking to me, and the higher proof wasn't as pronounced as I had hoped. Will revisit this in the future.

Nose: Comes in with a bit of nose hair scorching heat. Baked bread, cherry wood, and a kiss of spearmint. Palate: Richness is the key here. That baked bread with roasted almonds, homemade applesauce, and a round full baking spice. Finish: This whiskey keeps going with it's finish. The age is noticeable with cinnamon and sweet oak, cigar tobacco, and a touch of leathery dryness. This is a great rye. Buy it!

That’s got some oomph to it! Love it!

Pepper and Tart

Let’s get this out of the way early. I’m not a big rye fan. For me, rye is like the girl you keep going back to even though she inevitably burns you every time. Rye is my ex-girlfriend of the whiskey world. Moving on. In my latest transgression, I’ve seen a whole lotta chatter here and on YouTube about Pikesville. Pikesville is different they say. It’s a “barely legal” rye (a term I still don’t much care for). I thought to myself, “Balcones rye beat you up, Lot 40 was fun at first but then wrecked you, but maybe this time it’ll be better.” Well, so far so good. It looks like a rye, and smells like a rye, but the minute it hits your lips, it gets sweet. Sure there’s the spice, but it’s dressed up, gentler. That gives way to more brown sugars, cigar tobacco, and some caramel. It’s almost a bourbon in rye clothing. The finish from that 55% lingers but she’s warm and kind, not aggressive and temperamental like some ryes can be. This rye is all right. Maybe this one won’t burn me. Maybe this time it’ll be different. Maybe this rye is the one.

Ive seen glowing reviews on this(really high score at Whiskey Jug) and was excited to try. This is basically Rittenhouse100 aged two more years with 10 more proof. Pikesville is only $11 more in my neck of the woods($39.99). Poured neat, nice dark color with nose of baking spices, cotton candy, smoky oak, dusty rye and faint dill. There is a whiff of ethanol but not overbearing. 110pf coats the glass well and has oily mouthfeel. Palate is a juggernaut of sweet spice, cooked molasses, burnt pie crust, raw vanilla, rye and oak with smoky heat throughout. Rich and absolutely delicious! It runs a little hot at proof yet still remains smooth. Finish goes into next week with lasting sweet smoky charred wood, toasty cinnamon and rye spice. Bold, brash and full of flavor the extra proof really bringing it. The powerful taste delivery reminds me of Old Grand Dad 114. If you are a fan of ryes buy it, its exceptional !! You will not be sorry......92/100.......New top dog rye for me. Going through this bottle Im now picking up a wonderful rich chocolate note. This rye is truly complex and fantastic!!...