NC was one of a few states to get the first run of EC Rye. Saw it for the first time today, so I decided to give it a go. Rittenhouse and Pikesville are 1 and 1A on my rye list, so expectations are high. Here we go... NOSE: Dry and Dusty Rye Spice. Old, Slightly Musty Oak and Old Straw. Fall Spices like Clove, Allspice and Cinnamon. A little Vanilla. NEAT: A lot of Oak. Drying, Slightly Bitter Oak. Seems Thin. A little Toffee Sweetness with light Caramel and Salted Butter. Black Pepper. A slightly Spicy and Warming (bordering on hot) Finish. Oak and Spice Coat after the finish. SPLASH: A little water adds some sweetness to the nose and palate. VERDICT: Of the three Heaven Hill Ryes, this is the most rye-ish. With the same mash bill, what is the difference here? Age? Rickhouse position? Barrels that just don't fit the Rittenouse/Pikesville profile?That being said, I don't really see the need for this whiskey. It may be a little older than Rittenhouse, but it's 6 proof points lower and $5 more. While the Rittenhouse and Pikesville are thick and coating, the EC was thin and hot. It was a real letdown. Had I been tasting this blind, I never would've guessed it was related to Heaven Hill's other ryes. My opinion is buy the Rittenhouse, it's far superior. If you want to upgrade, get the Pikesville. Not in your state yet? You're not missing out.