Wilderness Trail Settlers Select Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye

Iowa Whiskey Chasers Pick 19 Family

A solid single barrel rye. Spicy, but balanced. A bit pricy as a mixer, but good on the rocks.

Sweet and slightly floral nose, spice notes that linger, mild sweetness, allspice, lots of oak, great finish

120 proof version. Ok let’s start with nosing this you never in a million years guess its 120 proof both from the lack of ethanol and the overall delicacy of the aroma. Wildflower, honeysuckle, spearmint, berries, fresh cut Bermuda grass, ground mustard seed, and anise. On the palate opens with lots of honey and sugar cookie, followed by strawberry, rye, and savory sweet corn in the mid palate. Finish is mint, black licorice, hay, and finely ground white pepper, and it’s ridiculously (and enjoyably) long. Flavors are rich and punchy, and the ride from sweet to savory to herbal flows seamlessly which always is going to score an extra point from me. Mouthfeel is very silky for a rye; another plus. An assertive yet balanced rye. I really loved this. At $63, it’s inline for what you would expect to pay for a barrel proof rye and you get your money’s worth. Would buy again.

After my first sip I had to take another look at the bottle to verify I had indeed read "Barrell proof". This is very surprisingly smooth for 115 proof rye - it does have a little bite, but not nearly as much as I'd expect. Overall a really delicious rye. One of my favorites.