Smooth Ambler Founders' Cask Strength Series Rye (2021 Edition)

NOSE Oak, dried dark fruit, herbally-dilly-rye spice, hazelnuts, citrus, cocoa and a touch bready. Rich, darkly fruity, oaky, spicy… this is an excellent rye! PALATE Oaky, dilly, herbally, darkly fruity, cocoa, coppery, crackers and dried blueberries, baking spice and bready. Heavy and rich with layers of spice, this is a true rye drinker’s rye! FINISH Long -> Oak, dilly, herbally spice, and leathery cocoa.

61.6% abv aged 5 years. Batch #2 Smell is oak and vanilla. Flavor is huge on oak and rye, I feel like everyone I taste this something new comes out. One time it was straight up fresh dill. I get hints of earth, licorice, and ribs of rye character.

Good on the rocks

This just isn’t my thing. Well made and drinkable but this one to me has some dill pickle present and I am just not a fan. I enjoy a good rye and love rye spice/rye bread notes but this one misses that for me.

Great mouth feel, nice Kentucky hug, sweet but baking spices galore. One of the best Rye’s I have and drinks well below its proof!

Batch 1 Aroma - Right off the bat. I’m liking this. Lots of depth here. Massive oak and rye. Sugar candies, brown sugar, orange peel, pepper and spices. Theres another fruity aspect here but I cannot quite pin point it. Does not smell like a 5 year whiskey. If I was doing this blind, I would guess around the 8-9 year mark. Really robust and bold. Hoping that the taste follows suit. Taste - Well.. this is tremendous. Very complex. Just an incredible balance between sweet caramel and vanilla then a rush of huge rye spice, cinnamon. There’s a deep dark tone to it.. leather, oak, black tea is definitely noticeable. Overall - this one checks all the boxes for me. Aroma and Taste are outstanding. The finish is long.. the viscosity is great, syrup like. Damn fucking good.