Pikesville Straight Rye

55% abv (110 proof) Nose: vanilla, sugar cookie and creamy rye spice. Almost dessert like. Touch of ginger and a hint of mint in the background. Palate: caramel and big rye spice dominate; vanilla and brown sugar compliment on the development; hint of tart apple at the end; full, soft and mouth-coating texture. Finish: medium length, nearly perfect balance of rye spice and bourbon notes; juicy fruit and spearmint and hint of cocoa pop up on the tail end. Value: $45-55 bucks American. Worth it. Final thoughts: this is simply a great rye whiskey that fits all moods. The rye spice is robust but not overpowering, leaving room for the barrel influence to shine. A dash or two of water balances this pour even further, making it enjoyable for high proof lovers as well as rye novices. Score: 4/5 Recommend buying a bottle.

Very tasty. Lots of flavor with clean finish.

Quite delicious when diluted down to about 90 proof. Has a great spicy nose and quite a bit of complexity hiding behind the burn. Plenty of oak, tobacco and vanilla linger on the rye spiced finish.

Nose: vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, toffee Palate: strong, but nice oak flavor throughout, vanilla, heavy rye spice, and leather Finish: complex: vanilla, cinnamon, rye, honey