The nose starts with a punchy mix of earthy dark chocolate, burnt caraway seeds and butterscotch pudding then a jalapeño vegetal spice followed by fruits of dehydrated figs, sautéed apples and orange zest that transitions to spearmint, cloves and fresh cut pine with high ethanol burn. The taste is a viscous mouthfeel starting with a high bitter, sour and peppery spice that slowly fades to a dark chocolate cherry mocha and charred pumpernickel bread with whipped honey butter followed by fruits of dehydrated figs, sour apple candy and orange zest that transitions to spearmint, cloves and over-brewed black tea with high ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with dark chocolate cherry cordial, espresso, charred jalapeños, candy apple and campfire ash. This is an interesting one from Balcones that the rye is front and center with a rich bourbon base, but the balance is off with an overwhelming bitterness and some spicy vegetal notes that I’m not particularly enjoying. At $60+, I don’t think I’d be a buyer of this one and would rather opt for their Blue Corn Bourbon. Thanks @soonershrink for providing the generous sample of this one.