Dillon's 2020 Rye [Batch 2] has a mash bill of 10% malted rye and 90% unmalted rye and is packaged at 57.2% ABV. This bottle 188/1000 is aged in New Ontario Oak (cask 113 to be exact) for 59 months. This makes it just shy of 5 years old (...for anyone not wanting to calculate the math here).
Its nose shares orange blossom honey, grain and damp straw. I feel like I'm strolling around a farm and can hear happy chickens clucking in the distance. A bit of apple and rural funk come out after it sits.
Post cork pop, sips bring subtle honeyed apple, strong pepper and a dryness that verges on acidity. The moderately long finish is a reprieve with pear and light honeycomb sweetness. This golden hued rye feels like summertime in the countryside.
Interestingly, the nose and finish are my favourite parts. This rye's palate improves through the tasting session as it opens in the glass. I've revisited this bottle months later and it stays true to its initial notes. Dillon's 2020 Rye release is an interesting departure from the plethora of highly oaked, baking spice driven ryes.
7.5/10
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