Review #054 Type: rye whisky Proof: 47% Comments: NAS, 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash, finished in Plantation Caribbean Rum casks Tasted after: Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 15/20 Very rye forward, but it’s got a subtle sweetness that rounds it out. Molasses, brown sugar, a generic citrus that I can’t quite pinpoint, and maybe graham crackers. Palate: 32/40 Sweet honey and brown sugar lead. There’s a subtle mint flavor that’s interwoven with black pepper, nutmeg, and vanilla. With the exception of these sweet flavors being amplified, it’s hard to discern any distinct influence from the rum barrels. Finish: 33/40 Medium long finish. Bold and spicy here with loads of rye and cinnamon, but more honey balances is out. Towards the end there’s a brief appearance of something that hints of being metallic, and reminds me of holding a nail in my mouth while working on some project. Then there’s a pop of milk chocolate sweetness in the last moments. With Water: A couple drops of water brings out vanilla on the nose. The palate has more spicy rye and oak flavors which nicely balance out the sweetness. On the finish I notice some caramel with mild salt and pepper throughout. The momentary pop of milk chocolate is gone unfortunately, and interestingly the new ending flavor reminds me of having just chewed through a green banana. Total: 80/100 Final thoughts: I rather enjoy how this rye has a comparatively minimal rum influence, as compared to some other “rum bombs” I’ve tried, like Pike Creek and Angel’s Envy. Rye is not among my favorite types of whisky, but this one is well balanced and enjoyable to sip. Price: $49 Would recommend: yes Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.