Traverse City Whiskey Co. Barrel Proof Straight Rye

Bull City Bourbon Club pick, "BCBC 2" Mashbill - 95% rye / 5% malted barley Age - 8 years, 3 months 59.5% abv; 119.0 proof Open 4 months Did not purchase the bottle, received a 2 oz sample Nose - Strong herbal rye spice, clove, menthol, fruity gum, chalk, powdered sugar, frosted cinnamon bun, medium oak, and strong ethanol. Palate - Fresh conifer needles, pine sap, anise, cardamon, black pepper, light caramel, unsweetened gingerbread, and chalky gum. Finish is medium with bitter herbs, heavy rye spices including black pepper, clove, anise, and strong ethanol bite. My club (and many other enthusiasts) raves about Traverse City picks, but I've avoided them due to cost. It's pretty easy to get 6+ year MGP rye for a lot less money. Based on this pick I think I made the right call. This is classic MGP rye with the ethanol and spice ramped up a couple notches. Personally, I've had equal or better MGP rye from Sagamore, Smooth Ambler, Templeton, and O.K.I. Unless you get to try it first, I'd save your money and buy a pick from one of those distilleries.