A higher proof release that I had been hoping for. Let’s go… Nose is rich and dark with pumpernickel, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla pudding, gingerbread cookie, well aged oak, and nutmeg. Nothing like a rye, but intriguing nonetheless. Ethanol is insanely low for the proof. Palate brings rock candy, spun sugar, cake batter, marshmallow, buttercream, nutmeg, and mint. Flavors are punchy, but I’m not going to lie; the finish steals the show (see below) Ridiculously long finish offers crème brûlée, burnt marshmallow, white pepper, soft oak, cherry (what’s cherry doing in a rye? I have no idea but I’m here for it), toasted rye crackers, cinnamon, barrel char and after everything else fades, a delightful chocolate mint. Mouthfeel is vicious and mouth coating. This is barely a rye. If you came over and said “give me a rye”, I probably wouldn’t reach for this one. However if you came over and said “give me a great whiskey”, I certainly would. Much better than the first release. At $79.99 it’s in the “no brainer” category and I can’t wait for the next release.