Pikesville Straight Rye is a "barely legal" rye whiskey, as its mashbill contains the minimum amount of rye (51%) to be called a rye whiskey. As a result, the spice and the bite of the rye is softened by the sweetness of the high corn content (39%). Aged for six years in new charred oak barrels, the influence of the casks adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. At 55% ABV Pikesville drinks very well at full strength with very little alcohol burn. However, I find that a splash of water opens up the whiskey, bringing out more dark fruit. NOSE: Vanilla, Oak, Cherry Cola, Leather, Dill, Anise, Baked Apple, Cinnamon, Toffee. PALATE: Caramel, Vanilla, Dark Fruit, Spicy Oak, Leather, Cinnamon, Dill. FINISH: Dry... Oak, Leather, Dark Fruit, Cinnamon, Dill, Anise. Pikesville is an incredible value at $50 and merits 4.5 stars. I wish it had a higher rye content, but that's a minor complaint.