I picked up this bottle of Maria's Mammoth 12 year rye on Christmas Eve. This is my second bottle of Mammoth anything, but the first that I've opened. I have a Smitty's rye from over a year ago I haven't gotten around to yet so I'm not sure what to expect. So, in the glass, this has a very light golden color. If I didn't know better I'd guess this was a Scotch or Irish whisky. It has a sweet and delicate nose. I do get the rye of course, but I think I also get some of the malted barley. It wouldn't surprise me if this has more than the usual 3-5% barley in the mash bill. Up front on the palate this has a bit of light caramelly vanilla. Maybe a little green apple peel. The rye comes on strong in the middle and has a really nice spice from the rye - it actually starts to approach something like a red pepper flake. On the finish the pepper fades and you're left with a bunch of bright florals. I've gotta improve my palate in regard to these flavors I've only been able to describe as floral. It's the same way I describe an IPA - tastes like drinking flowers. Overall I like this. It's got a little more of the vanilla and caramel than some cheaper ryes. And I think that's probably due to the age - 12 years is a good amount of time for some of the more harsh flavors to mellow. I'm just a little surprised at the color for such an old whiskey. Definitely interested to compare/contrast with my Smitty's Mammoth pick!