Being a bourbon man, I have not had much experience with rye whiskey and I have not yet purchased a bottle of rye for home. Thanks to the good folks over at Flaviar, I was provided with a bottle of WhistlePig 10 Year Straight Rye for purchasing a membership (side note: Don't bother joining Flaviar, it is a scam masquerading as a rip off). I knew WhistlePig is a respected a sought after brand and that 10 years makes a good whiskey, but outside those two bits of information, I knew nothing of what I was in for. I poured it neat into a Glencairn glass and braced myself. I don't know what the typical notes of rye should be, but I noticed a sweet mint smell, caramel, perhaps faint banana, and an earthy undertone (Is that the rye? Is rye earthy? I'm out of my depth here, someone help me). The mouthfeel was silky smooth and I knew immediately that if I had enough money I would fill up a bathtub with this stuff and luxuriate in it all night. The palate has brown sugar, pecan, and vanilla upfront with plenty of baking spices and orange in the back. Made with 100% rye, there is certainly a kick on the way down that is stronger than the bourbon I am used to, but it is nice. The finish is long and warm with tobacco and leather and a nice spice lingering in my gums (if this is unusual, please let me know so I can contact a dental professional as soon as possible). I don't know if staring with a 100% rye mash bill was the best introduction to rye that I could have chosen, but I did like this one and it has certainly opened the door to further exploration of the category. I can't compare it to other ryes or what a rye "should" be, so my rating is simply based on my experience with the label. A good experience, indeed.