ctbeck11
Lock Stock & Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey 18 Year
Rye — Canada
Reviewed
December 9, 2021 (edited January 8, 2022)
Nose - butterscotch, vanilla, anise, dark chocolate, peppermint, cherry, plum, clove, leather, allspice, orange, tobacco, marshmallow, toasted coconut, herbal notes, dry oak, walnut, moderate ethanol burn.
Taste - clove, orange oil, allspice, dark chocolate, butterscotch, anise, leather, baked apple, rich oak, black cherry, vanilla, bitter walnut, lemon, peppermint, moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium long with dark fruit, chocolate, toasted oak, and rye spice flavors.
100% Canadian rye? Check. 18 years old? Check check. 100+ proof? Check check check. With those stats, I know it’s a winner before even pouring a glass. But alas, a glass must be poured, so here we are.
The nose is amazing, dare I say sublime? Butterscotch, dark chocolate, and orange aromas appear, underpinned by a woodsy, herbal quality. It’s like smelling a moss-covered Werther’s hard candy that you picked up on a forest walk. The palate is punchy, but not overly hot or youthful. Dark fruits, more butterscotch, rich oak, and nuts overwhelm the taste buds. The finish lingers beautifully without veering into any unpleasant territory.
This is outstanding whisky and easily the best rye I’ve tried. It completely destroyed the latest Boss Hog in a side-by-side, which honestly isn’t saying too much, but it’s worth mentioning as they have a similar provenance. The only point I can possibly subtract is for the slight palate brightness. It’s not youthful, but just a tad more ethanol-forward than perfection would allow. So this isn’t flawless, but it’s very, very close. A huge shout-out to @pkingmartin for introducing me to this and providing the generous sample!
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@Anthology @ctbeck11 Ive never had this one but of the multiple Texas whiskies Ive had only Balcones and Garrison has been worth it. Not to say there isnt something else good out there just be wary.
@Anthology First I’m hearing of them. As far as I can tell it’s all sourced, but I can’t find any specifics. I’m always interested in trying new Texas whiskies though, so I’ll keep this on my radar.
@ctbeck11 Speaking of Texas whiskey, I wanted to ask you Texas whiskey officionados (+ @Ctrexman ) if you’ve heard of , or tried Cotton Hollow Texas straight bourbon whiskey. I’ve been eyeing it at a local store in CA. Hoping the “everything is big and bold in Texas” approach to whiskey shows up in this bottling. Pray tell if you know or have tried!
@Ctrexman Yea, although I’ve spent about the same on five year old Texas whiskey, so this isn’t out of the realm of impulse-buy territory for me.
Great review this sounds fantastic but $250 is more than I want to spend on rye
@ContemplativeFox That sounds like a great one to open for Christmas. I’m sure something will come up to celebrate with that rye.
@pkingmartin Unfortunately, I've already scheduled a bottle of Paul john Christmas edition for Xmas, so ill need to find another occasion :)
@PBMichiganWolverine @pkingmartin Ive read too that this is the best one. On one hand it's too bad the 20 isn't better. On the other hand, I'm glad to not feel any need to seek the 20 out.
@PBMichiganWolverine Yeah, I heard that this was the best one to get and it was incredible. I ended up ordering another bottle as it was far too easy and tasty to drink. @ContemplativeFox Well Christmas is coming! Why not put that bottle under a tree and delight in the forest flavor on Christmas Day?
@ContemplativeFox @pkingmartin @ctbeck11 this now prompts me to open up my sample pour. I’ve also read the 20yr is a bit too much in the barrel, so this might be the perfect one in age
Rave reviews first from @pkingmartin and now from @ctbeck11 ? This creates a problem for me as now I want to open this bottle even more, but I also want even more to wave it for an extra special occasion :)
@pkingmartin Thanks! I’m tempted to pick up a bottle, but at the $250ish they’re going for now, I wouldn’t call it a value. Still, it is the best rye I’ve ever tried……..decisions
I agree, very close to perfection but just shy. Probably my favorite rye I’ve ever had. Great notes and review!