Castle & Key Restoration Rye Single Barrel (Stillery 2022)

This single barrel clocks in at 59.2% and has a nose that starts immediately with a burst of floral rye spice, charred oak, vanilla, cooked brown sugar and as it breathes, green fruit and earthy notes start to come out. This is distinctly rye and quite curious. The palate is dry and full, filling the mouth full of intense rye spice that is on a fine line between earthy and floral. Oak is very prominent, as everything else more or less Falls into the background. This is first and foremost a rye though it does have a certain astringency to it, almost like it is not aged long enough to really get through esterification. The finish is medium, chewy and spicy. There are creamy notes that linger alongside astringent notes. You really get the hint that there is a lot of potential to this whiskey however, this undeniably needs more age. It is a perfectly good zipper but it does not hold up well if you have been drinking other more well-rounded whiskies.

Floral power punches you in the face. This rye is very strange. The nose matches the first sip. Sweet but florally…it lingers. Its not off putting, just not the rye I was looking for. Also, not the ryes I am used too. I have been to the distillery, it is a beautiful place. Crush your rye dreams and focus on your bourbon.

Too sharp

This is a peach bomb. Awesome rye spice on the finish, but tons of fruit and peaches up front, slight vanilla cream finish. Very unique and absolutely fantastic.