Proof & Wood The Stranger 7 Year Polish Whiskey

Great rye palate have to try more 100% ryes - but not big on the finish which reminds me more of a bourbon probably from the casks

Rye

Nose is interesting and punchy with toasted rye crackers, caraway seed, gingerbread, bakers chocolate, fennel, white grape, and cinnamon. There is a musty root vegetable note in there as well. Ethanol sneaks in repeatedly which slightly hampers the experience. Palate is quite bready (so much so it’s almost flour-like), with Lemonheads candy, spearmint, paste(?), raw potato, and a slight floral note (jasmine?) The cohesiveness promised in the nose becomes an odd tasting, unbalanced mess. Medium length finish offers grape must, cocoa powder, pepper, and dirt. There is a wood note that comes in with some serious astringency, presenting itself like tree bark. Finishes dry and clean and the mouthfeel is effervescent, but also excessively grainy to the point that the overall effect is that of drinking heavy grain sandpaper. Just awful stuff here. I’ve never had a “Polish rye” before, but if this is indicative of the style, they can keep it. Just an odd flavor profile and the more I sipped it, the more the undesirable notes built up and the more the scratchy mouthfeel seemed to scrape away my taste buds. I paid $80 for this and honestly it’s close to a drain pour. One of my lowest ratings ever.

Great change of pace from typical American rye. It has a cleanness to the taste that is refreshing. Light body, but a solid lasting bite in the aftertaste. It’s not a burn, but a strong spice note and not some kinda grass, smoke, nut. It’s just clean. I really liked it and bought it for something new. Definitely worth trying.

Copied from here: https://www.whiskeyinmyweddingring.com/reviews/the-stranger-polish-rye 100% agree! The Stranger Polish Rye Review: Tasting Notes Eye: Pure amber. Nose: Gentle, clean rye flavor. Warm underlying spices. There’s a different scent there, bready, specifically rye crusts. White grape sweetness on the back. The nose is powerful, making its way to my tongue before it ever touches my lips. Palate: Spicy, but again there’s clearly something different. Great rye crust, caraway, and dark caramel. Quite savory in some ways with a buttery quality. Mouthfeel is thin-to-medium, the sweet and savory caraway seed baked and rested. Herbal and floral rye sticks on the tongue with a mild coating on the entire palate. Finish: Sweeter and fruitier than the nose or palate, introducing apricot jam and toasted nutmeg. Overall: If you need proof of how different strains of grain taste differently, look no further. I liked it more and more as I sipped. It’s clearly a departure from what I’m used to. I want to try this again and again with different ryes alongside and in a rye-forward cocktail like a Manhattan. This was a lot of fun to drink and I encourage you to try it if you can find it.

Oak, Vanilla, caramel and fruit on the nose. Palate has a nice balance of sweet and dry, the finish is light ****-black pepper and clove. Easy drinking. My first time tasting a whiskey from Poland that was brought to Kentucky. This is excellent and when word gets out sure to fly off the shelves. Worth the very reasonable price I paid.