I tasted this in close succession with a Michter's Toasted Barrel Rye, so there are a few comparisons throughout, but not enough to be considered a true head-to-head.
Company on Label: Michter's
Whiskey Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed
Proof: 111°
Age: NAS
Further identification: Barrel No 21B376
Nose: Traditional rye baking spices and a creamy cherry. Oak note is recognizable. Similar leather to the Michter's Toasted Barrel Rye. A touch of extra ethanol that the toasted did not have, but the vanilla balancing act is more prevalent from the start. Definitely feels like it starts sweeter. Smells like fresh sheets next to an open summer window; some florals just barely wafting in. Caramel is always there to reset you. This has a touch of smoke deep in the back. This nose is perfectly inoffensive. Tiny bit of anise. Bold but well done.
Palate: Plenty of cinnamon for this showing. Citrus very light on the forefront allowing the more complex leather and tobacco to show up. More of an inner leaf robustness than the smell of a cigar wrap. Brown sugar piles onto a peppered bread. Explosive, but not a 'hot' experience. Powdered candy cherry. Like a pixie stick level sugar rush comes along with this one; a favorite grandma memory of mine no doubt. Ooooh, a great light mint is effervescent now. Rising its way through me I get a ton of thick molasses stuck to the edges of my tongue. I could see this being a regular Sunday pour for me this summer. It just has a sit, relax, and take me on a journey feel to it. It makes me want to turn off my analytical brain, which I think I am about due for at this point!
Rating: 4/5
