I was always a fan of Valentine Vodka, but was a little skeptical on the whiskey and rye. Turns out that the Mayor is a pretty nice dram. This one is a 5 yr barrel proof offering and I jumped at the chance to grab a bottle. These were single barrels so each will be a bit different. The nose on this is really nice. It leans much more towards the sweetness you expect from a bourbon than a traditonal rye. The first sip of this is hot. The proof definitely comes through, but it is a great wash of flavors. Heavy caramel mixed with the spice of rye are abundant. The finish is brings a rush of heat that definitely lingers. Overall this little distillery in Michigan keeps putting some really nice bottles out there. Don't be scared off by a Michigan bottle, these definitely hold their own.