Woodinville Straight 100% Rye (90 Proof)

A sharp yet inviting nose with plenty of kick but lots of fruit and spice as well. Top notes of cut grass, yeastiness, and spicy herbs, rye of course, and mint. Heart notes of cherry and strawberry Twizzlers candy, light brown sugar, vanilla, and an almost malty honey sweetness, plus a hint of green apple skins, and a tinge of citrus. Bass notes of cinnamon and allspice, some suede and woodsmoke. Spicy and sweet on the palate. Loads of pepper up front, spicy and herbaceous like arugula. Then dessert is served with sugary fruit pie filling, cherry, strawberry, and orange marmalade. Smoky suede and vanilla fills the mouth with each inhale after a sip. Nice body, supple on the tongue with a bit of oiliness to it. Falling in fast streaks at first, it continues to drip waves of heavy droplets, each slower than the last until only a dappling clings to the glass. A medium finish both in length and intensity, quite oaky yet not overly dry, with traces of menthol, cocoa butter, dried cranberries, raisins, and dusty spice. Nose: 8 Palate: 9 Body: 9 Finish: 8

My first impression on the nose was… APPLE, with a coating of caramel. There is a good bit of in rye too. (Duh!!) There was a sweet freshness to the “sniffs” and nosing that I inhaled! The taste is sweet “ Rye-Rye-Rye…with a hint of apple, and twice shy” (a song by the rock groups “Eddie & the Hot Rods” & later, “Great White”). This initial & subsequent sips/chews, the taste was…. ryes… apple…spices….and sweet freshness! There is no “Kentucky Hug” in the back of my throat and downward; but a warm, rye-spice with baking spices and cinnamon (hints of caramel too). In sum…a very, very solid drink that calls me to subsequent sips (could be dangerous! 😉)