Russell's Reserve 6 Year Rye

My favorite Rye. Pronounced spiciness balanced with the depth of 6 years of aging. Hard to find where I live, a few bottles showed up at BevMo at a fair price.

Nose starts off on the right note with and honey, graham cracker, ginger, and orange blossom. The power of the aroma isn't going to knock your socks off, but an interesting combination to say the least. On the palate, this is exactly what I am looking for in a rye; sweet start, spicy finish and not overly herbal. Opens with caraway seeded rye bread, cultured butter, honey, golden raisin, and licorice. Those flavors dance around the tongue for a second and then...whammo everything changes to spice notes of cracked peppercorn, clove, fennel, and just the tinniest hint of dill and eucalyptus. Medium length finish turns into soft aged oak and honeysuckle. Mouthfeel is on the thin side, but it compliments the flavor profile well. I'm really a fan of this, and enjoyed the journey from sweet to spicy to mildly sweet again. However, as a value standpoint it's not the greatest; not with some of the more budget ryes measuring up fairly well. That said, it's a delight and will most likely be a re-buy for me and I literally cannot wait to try the single barrel version.

very nice color, caramel notes

Nose: Licorice, Baking Spices, Banana, Eucalyptus, Bread Taste: Apple, Licorice, Baking Spices, Pepper, Oak