The most superior of unaged whiskies that I have tasted. Yes: it IS raw...but still good. You know how carpaccio is a dish composed of raw beef tenderloin? It's good! The tenderloin is better when properly cooked, but you still won't pass up a well executed carpaccio. That is how this rye is to me. Not at all disappointing. In fact: much better than I expected. I have taken three pours from my buddy Patrick's bottle...and I will probably finish it.