I am not a rye whiskey fan and was recommended this in that context. As far as rye goes I actually do like this one. It does have the herbal flavors of a rye, but more on the pine side as opposed to lavender or eucalyptus. There is definitely some strong oak flavor in there as well, which sometimes comes across as a burger char flavor. Only thing I don't like about this one is that occasionally I get a flavor that I can only describe as astringent / bitter that throws me off a bit. Overall a unique rye whiskey that even a none rye fan can appreciate.