Review #110 Type: American rye Proof: 50% Comments: NAS, unofficially these are aged approximately 6 years then finished for up to 18 months in Caribbean XO Plantation Rum barrels that were previously Maison Ferrand Cognac casks, 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash bill Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 This one is such a pleasure to nose, the integration of sweet and rye spice is wonderful. Maple sugar candies, butterscotch, vanilla ice cream, gingerbread, and green unripe banana. There’s a little lemon citrus and mint leaf in here too, but it’s well integrated and somewhat masked by the rye. Palate: 31/40 Oily and almost sticky mouthfeel. It’s very smooth considering the high ABV and there’s very little burn, it drinks like 40%! Molasses, graham crackers, vanilla, rye spice, and black pepper. There’s a hint of a little spiced dark rum as well. Finish: 33/40 Medium-long finish. Spicy oak tannins flare up alongside gingerbread, and as these subside they’re replaced by some tobacco and maple. The maple flavor is present but there’s no sugary sweetness accompanying it anymore. Gradually some rye spice and black pepper return, but much more muted than previously observed on the palate. The finish ends on a lightly dry note, reminiscent of bubble gum. With Water: A few drops of water thins the texture on the palate, it’s noticeably less syrupy and oily. It’s less sweet here, the rye spice is more noticeable and accompanied by oak spice as well. Both these flavors are further enhanced a bit on the finish also. Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: Another regular bottle of mine that I chose to spend some additional time with this evening. This is among my favorite rye whiskies, which admittedly is probably because the rye comes across a bit muted. Instead of being punchy it’s more subtle and sweet and decidedly a dessert dram, though not one I’ve ever attempted to make a cocktail with. Given the muted flavor profile I’m not sure it would hold up well there. I think they do a great job of taming the rye bite and presenting the same flavors in a slightly calmer way, and overall think it’s very well integrated with the rum cask sweetness. Price: $81 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes 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.