Pikesville Straight Rye is now distilled and bottled in Kentucky, but it represents the last Maryland Rye style whiskey available. Maryland rye has a different profile than ryes from farther west, it is sweeter and less aggressive, which makes it more enjoyable neat. This particular kind is made of 51% rye (the lower legal limit to be called straight rye), 39% corn (which gives it the sweetness and balances the spice coming from the rye itself), and 10% malted barley. It is presented at almost cask strength of 55% ABV and is aged for a minimum of 6 years in what they call “extra-aged” barrels. The color is dark yellow gold and the dram boasts high viscosity. The nose is rich with spicy rye notes, but is plenty complex with chocolate, dust, vanilla, oak, and some pickle aftertones. The palate is complex as well, with more of the same notes but perhaps with the addition of some fresh fruit (ripe banana). Surprisingly, at 55% ABV it is much less “hot” than I assumed it to be. The finish is long and sweet, with vanilla and oak dominance and a pleasant rye trace. High ABV gives plenty of opportunity for experimentation with water. A few drops of water intensify the fruit notes. Cherry, raisins, apple become quite evident, and some nutty flavor appears. The finish gains more chocolate character and becomes sweeter. More water, and some floral notes start to appear, with some honey suckle aftertones on the finish. Overall, this is a very complex and very-well-made dram that you probably don’t want to waste on cocktails. It offers layers of enjoyment when you add water, and is a fantastic value at $60.