Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye

Enjoyed last pour of bottle on the rocks. Rich and viscous. Notes of spearmint, black pepper, and pine dance with vanillin and oak tannins. Alcohol heat lingers in the back of my throat.

Grassy rye, breadlike, unripe blackberry, southern tea, nutty, lemon, candy corn, dried unsweetened coconut, dry red apple, pleasant oak tannins, cream soda, slight black pepper, boiled grains, corriander seed, mild cinnamon bark, marshmallow. A bit thin compared to the previous tastings. Could be a stronger porportion of barley in the mashbill. More squarely a medium bourbon. Closer to a bottom shelf turkey rye than a 'reserve.' Good but doesn't match the level I've come to expect over the previous decade. Hopefully not a new trend like the price increases.