Nose: Initially from a new bottle, rye, shoe polish, anise seed, fennel seed, carom. A bit harsh at first but opens up to the aromatic spices. Intense and pungent, reminiscent of absinthe. Slightly plastic-y but not in a chemical way. Deep. Taste: for an unopened sip, it's incredibly silky. VERY rye forward. It's the spice of the grain front and center, like a curry of a whiskey. Same spices as the nose with very minimal alcohol presence. No plastic. The slightest burnt golden raisin at the tail. Finish: the aromatic seed flavors linger and stay long on the palate with a leathery feel on the mid-palate. Slightest bit of puckering from an almost undetectable minerality. A general warming of the palate, even throughout, but absolutely no alcohol harshness or overbearing hot spice, just lingering aromatics... and then the slightest floral lilac note as the bitterness fades. Lovely! This is a rye-drinker's Rye that really showcases the grain. I think the blending helps bring all of rye's dimensions to the table without excessive oak or that "green" flavor, but plenty of fresh and lively notes. The spice really balances with the light sweetness and minerality to make for a complex and flavorful, but still drinkable, rye for all occasions, casual or more pensive. Pairs great with a habano-wrapper cigar. For the price, I give it at least 8.5/10