Another edition of Un-Gnome Whiskey is here! @_amongsttheferns picked me another sample from the ever growing drawer of 2oz goodness. What’s in the glass tonight? Could you guess it before the end?
Bottle information will be posted after the glass reveal at the end. Scroll slow if you don't want spoilers!
Nose: Some immediate unique fruit to my nose. Like peach? Citrus. Grapefruit kind of zesty twang. Caramel and something that wants to be vanilla but isn't comes out after that fruit bouquet. Honey sweetness. Nose has settled into a dusty, dry oak. Definitely smells like there is a barrel finish going on here. Maybe a wine? It's a unique one if so. Really unique pepper note. Feels like it is encrusted in some sweet cornbread. From here I can't find much more in the way of complexity; it's a nice profile, but doesn't have layers after hours.
Palate: Spicy first sip on the tip of the tongue. That immediately melts into a cup of syrupy peaches. Surprising earthy rye spices compared to the fruity nose. Very herbal profile which says it is probably a rye. Big sour fruit note that falls out of a ball of sweet ethanol. This one is a nice change of pace from a traditional profile; it's uniqueness not a qualm by me. Good fruity, citrusy pour that has very manageable heat for me, but this feels like it might drink above it's proof. Fine by me, but may be a deal breaker for others. Slight chocolate on the finish. For those that like a proofy but sweet, rising finish: this will be a hit! I am truly stumped on what this might be today.
Rating: 4/5
Guess: George Dickel Rye?
Reveal: Alberta Premium Cask Strength
Welp, I knew I was off on this one. I think I overthought it; but I also expect to get more of these wrong than right. I should have known this was a high proof offering by how I felt at the end of one glass!
Company on Label: Alberta Distillers Limited
Whiskey Type: Canadian Rye Whisky
Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Rye
Proof: 132°
Age: 5 years
Further identification: Early 2021 Limited Release