WhistlePig 6 Year PiggyBack Rye

Harsh and spicy nose, singes the nostrils, fruity palette, maybe spiced apples, spicy finish

The nose is fairly rich and difficult to discern, though it is on the earthier side. The palate is varied with a lot of spice, but not in a harsh way, mixed with some subdued fruit that tends toward the more tart, dry side, earthy cinnamon, and some bitter herbal flavors. There's a fair amount going on here and a solid amount of flavor. It would be good to drink or to sip. It tastes very good and balances the sweetness, herbalness, dryness, fruitiness, and richness. It's a bit on the dry and herbal side and could do with some more richness, but it's a lot better than Whistlepig 10's dry blandness. It's also a substantial improvement over the, light, sweet minerality of Templeton 4. With the high ABV considered as well, this is a good buy. It has more complexity than Rittenhouse and its flavors are better executed (none of that oiliness), but it lacks that tremendous level of richness. For mixing a rich rye drink, Rittenhouse is the sure winner, but for sipping neat, I think I prefer the Whistlepig.