Traverse City Whiskey Co. North Coast Rye

Nose is fresh pine straw, an old cedar chest and a hint of something floral….not quite jasmine, but almost. Palate is light and almost sweet, but the spice notes keep trying to insist this really is a rye while your brain is waiting to chew on a pine bough that never really shows. It’s like a rye-light…most of the flavors with less of the challenge. Even the spice is more kind; there’s certainly nutmeg and cardamom and anise, but the sharp, hot black pepper is missing completely, and the mint only makes a cameo right at the close. The whole thing is easy like Sunday morning, but much like that relaxing time, there’s also not much happening to keep me coming back. Glad I tried it, but this style of rye is just not my thing. It’s like bourbon without the caramel and rye without the minty pine, and those traits are why i generally drink those spirits.

Nose - vanilla with peppercorn Taste - thicker feel, more vanilla and slight burn on the tongue and throat Finish - rather short for me with not much carry through Score - 3.0 Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate

Typical rye spice with a hint of sweetenss. Great bottle for the price.