시나몬 오크 바닐라 월넛

Spicy on the nose. Smooth finish.

I picked this up on a recent trip to Arizona from Canada (finally!) In addition to Willett rye and Four Roses Single Barrel. This is my second tasting of the three. This tasting is brought down to about 47 percent. Nose: I actually get a very bourbony nose here. There's lots of vanilla and caramel. I also get some dark chocolate and orange zest. I was surprised to not get much spice on the nose. Nonetheless, it's quite appealing and rich. Palate: Immediately there is a bright fruity note like fresh grapes - a fruit I don't often get in whisky. However this is very brief and then those grapes quickly turn into raisins. The lack of spice on the nose is made up mid-palate where cinnamon and pepper thrust themselves initially on the sides of the tongue then quickly sliding onto the middle and tip of the tongue where they stick around. Finish: Long and thick. The classic rye peppery spice remains on the tip of the tongue and some wonderful bitterness lingers on the back of the tongue and soft palate. Overall, this is excellent. I am not surprised since I am a big fan of Wild Turkey, particularly Rare Breed bourbon. This is my first foray into Rare Breed rye since it's impossible to come by in British Columbia. I think I liked the Willett rye better due to slightly more unique flavour but I eagerly buy a bottle of either, or even better, both!

Strong spice notes, large bite

Burnt orange in color and good coating legs in the glass. Toasted bread, cereal grain, and dark honey on the nose. Charred oak and brunt sugar, dry spices, pepper, and a little astringent ethanol in the mouth. Feels dry and dusty, kinda thin and one dimensional in the mouth at first blush, but then the grassy minty rye spices begin to build and shine over a looong finish. That's worth waiting for. Add a single ice cube and the profile opens up with more dark chocolate bitter-sweetness without greatly shortening that grassy rye spice finish. At 56+% ABV it's got enough punch to stand up in a cocktail like a Manhattan or mixed with amaro. More later.