Woodford Reserve Straight Rye

This is a tasty whiskey. This is definitely more of a bourbon drinker’s rye, something to transition someone over to the wonderful world of rye. The nose is quite pleasant, floral and light, with vanilla and burnt caramel creeping in. I was surprised by the lack of rye spice (pepper or cinnamon even) on the nose. The palate is fruity and light again, with some crisp sour apple that turns in to a white pepper and rye spice. A pretty decent finish, with white pepper on the front, and a heat that hits your chest that is definitely not from the proof. Very small taste of the barrel on the back end of the finish, turning back in to a strong taste of sweet burnt sugars as it fades out. After the finish is gone, I am left with wondering how they got a ‘rye’ so light and sweet. Probably a little young, and the 53% rye is the answer to that. Overall: for $34 this is tasty and reasonably smooth, if albeit a little light and simple. I wish there was more oak or deep rye flavors to help balance out the light floral/sweet/fruity tastes. I will definitely try a barrel select and see if this answers that complaint. I wouldn’t call it overpriced, but there are definitely cheaper bottles out there that I personally think deliver more. But get this as a bourbon drinker’s first rye, and you won’t regret it.

Was expecting something different