Rossville Union Barrel Proof Straight Rye

Would make a giod Manhattan i think

Really nice showcase of MGP rye. Spicy, sweet, and just a bit herbal and minty. Hot but not overly so, especially given its proof. Delicious.

EYE Ruddy amber NOSE Dilly rye spice, baking spice, oak, cocoa, caramel, dried dark fruit, a touch of vanilla and citrus. Deep and heavy, it’s an aroma that drifts elegantly through the senses. PALATE Dilly rye spice, cocoa, oak, leather, pepper, caramel, dried dark fruit, baking spice, vanilla taffy and some honey. BAM, this hits like a rye spice truck fueled by oak.

Total Wine store pick in Gilbert, AZ. 116.7 proof. As I have already reviewed this whiskey, this review will highlight the differences between the standard release and this store pick. Review admittedly of limited use outside the Phoenix, AZ area. Wow, nose way more herbal than the standard. (Not a bad thing per se) Getting basil, oregano, star anise, mint, and sage. There’s some honey underneath if you dig for it but leafy, grassy notes are in charge. Nose carries right through to the palate. Man, this sucker is herbaceous. Palate and finish carry a lot of eucalyptus, mint, camphor, and pepper. Some sour dill sneaks in as well. Closest it gets to sweet is cinnamon. Finish lingers forever, and the mouthfeel has a nice weight to it. I have a feeling that a thin mouthfeel would literally ruin this, so for that I am thankful. I got to tell you; I love herbal cask strength ryes. But that said, I’d say this one almost takes it a little too far. It could use just a hint more sweetness to bring some balance. Instead you get a trip through the spice aisle of your local grocery store. Truth? I could see some people absolutely hating this. As for me, it is quite good but falls short of a really top tier more complex rye. At $76, I would consider a rebuy but I would have to have a gap in my collection for this sort of flavor profile to merit it.

Barrels Used: 82 Proof: 117.2 Straight: Alright (sweet, strong) Water: Terrible Ice: Ok