While now relinquished to a “relic rye,” A.W. Laws Secale Straight Rye was obviously a step in the right direction for a distillery I hope continues to hone its craft and make its presence known in the whisk(e)y world. For years, I’ve held onto this bottle, knowing that I’d eventually give it its due. There was something so enjoyable, so lovely that I couldn’t stay away from. I’d revisit it every few months over the course of several years, satisfied by its offering and longing to try more from the CO based distillery. Yet its not until now, when this bottle will give up the ghost, that the matter seems all the more urgent. It’s time. FIRST IMPRESSIONS - No doubt this is a smooth rye, with spicy notes throughout. The label claims “(i)t’s aggressive, full of character and unapologetic,” but unlike, say something like a Willett 4-Year Family Estate, it’s not overtly bold, nor does it immediately flaunt its profile in boisterous, more pronounced ways. It’s more subtle and refined, yet not too much so that it becomes dull. This rye has a nice place and might very well act as a “gateway rye” for new whisk(e)y drinkers. NOSE - The nose is quite frankly a culmination of traditional rye offerings and unexpected directions. It was reminiscent of walking on a trail during the early days of fall. I found wet leaves and an earthy musk alongside vanilla cream, burnt caramel, and just a hint of anise. A bit more time with it also laid bare buttery kettle corn and believe it or not, melon. PALATE - The palate slides in light to medium bodied and on the dry side. I found a predominant woody character that all other elements fell nicely inside. There was a delicious buttery tone with almond, sea salt, hay, corn, and an almost trivial herbal/grass note. At 100 proof, it really does surprise you with how easy and enjoyable it is to sip. WASH - all things considered, the wash doesn’t linger all that long, but it’s genuinely more satisfying than others I’ve had. This hits both the roof of your mouth and the back of the tongue as you complete the experience. There’s a nice heat that swells, falls, then reappears gradually as you sit. Over all, the wash caps off the refined experience you’ve seen throughout. It’s quite well done. WHAT I APPRECIATED - This rye is somewhat gentle for a newcomer while offering complexity to those with a deeper understanding of their own palate. I tend to gravitate toward bolder, more lively ryes, but this bottle is fun, lighthearted, and offers something quite interesting. CONCLUSION - Sadly, this bottle isn’t available anymore; however, if A.W. Laws has taken the budding/adolescent characteristics of this rye and added it into their current offerings with a bit more aging, whisk(e)y enthusiasts will be REALLY please. What is/was here is good and an even better starting place for the future. If you like ryes and you’re looking for and alternative to the standard KY Ryes, buy a ticket for CO and check them out. I believe you’ll enjoy the trip. (FWF Share #70 [4/13/2018]) Opened: 4/13/18 Finished: 1/17/21