Wilderness Trail Settlers Select Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye

So this is a tough one to review. My first taste of this whiskey was at Justin’s House of Bourbon in Louisville and I was blown away with the balance of sweetness and rye mixture. I immediately needed to get a bottle and my friend surprised me with one. So now I have a whiskey that was amazing and cost me nothing, could you ask for more? Unfortunately when I opened the bottle it’s still very good but not the epic version I had in Kentucky. It’s got this nice toasted marshmallow, pumpernickel bread, canned peaches, caramel and cinnamon on the nose with a creamy mouthfeel that has tastes of caramel flan with very light rye. The finish is very short that hits quick with alcohol burn, then comes with rye, licorice, charred oak and vanilla. I was in awe with the bottle in Kentucky, but this one I kept hoping some oxidation would bring it to the legendary one I had before. Sadly it never achieved that level and I have finished the bottle. I guess that’s what happens with single barrel releases and has me loving and hating them at the same time. So how to rate this with one being a 3.5 and the other a 4.5, guess I’ll just hit the middle ground with a 4.

This is a LIWS pick (murder hornet) at 110 proof. Mouthfeel is velvety smooth and not at all thin. Got a nice bit of rye spice on it and the Kentucky hug lingers for awhile. Very nice flavors throughout with just a hint of bitterness on the finish, but not enough to be offensive.

Nicely balanced front with just enough spice that lingers and finishes con mint and herbal notes.

119 proof