Southern Star Double Rye* *Blend of two Straight Rye Whiskies that are finished in Bourbon Barrels NOSE: Pours into my Glencairn the color of a new, uncirculated penny. Dry, Herbaceous Rye Spice, but slightly tempered by sweetness. Savory notes of Dill, Thyme, Coriander, Mustard Seed, Black Pepper, and Cinnamon Stick. Just hints of Vanilla and Varnished Oak. NEAT: Perhaps due to the Bourbon Barrel Finish, it enters surprisingly sweet with a slightly oily mouthfeel. Vanilla at first, but it is quickly overtaken by Dill and Black Pepper. Bitter Grapefruit Peel, similar to the bite of an overhoppped IPA. No licorice yet, which would complete the trifecta of "Things I hate in real life, but love in a Rye Whiskey". A hint of the Varnished Oak arrives just before the Tingly, Peppery Finish. It seems slightly hotter than its 88 proof. The Bitter IPA aftertaste clings to the palate along with Black Pepper and a touch of Sweetness. SPLASH: Gives the nose a brief blast of sticky Butterscotch. That sweetness transfers to the palate as well. Reduces, but doesn't completely eliminate the Bitter IPA notes, but the aftertaste is now much sweeter. VERDICT: Not bad at all. This company was founded in 2013 and immediately began distilling their own product as well as contract distilling for other companies. I think they are shooting to become MGP South. Their first aged releases were sourced from MGP and are quite good. This bottle mentions nothing about Indiana, so unless they've engaged in some tricky word play (it states Distilled and Produced by Southern Distilling Company) this is quite possibly the first aged product released under their own label. If this is true, KUDOS on a very good whiskey. I think this will be exceptional with a large chunk of ice and will cocktail very well. Bonus points for the Old Style labeling, faux tax strip, and Pikesville style cork. I'm toying around with a 4 here, but for now it is a solid 3.75.