Nose (10%): light, faint spice, floral notes. 7/10
Palate (20%): still has a bit of oiliness, like the bourbon. Honey on the tip, light apple presents itself after a few sips. Nice rye bread spice. 14/20
Finish (10%): quite hot, lots of alcohol burn. Some star anise. Could've used more time in the wood. 5/10
Overall Impression and Harmony (30%): This is a good young rye. The alcohol burn is harsh, even for the proof. A bit more time in the wood would clean that up, but it would take away some of the delicate spice balance. It'd be good with a little water or mixed, but it could be better to sip alone. I'm curious to try it over ice. 21/30
Retry on Ice (25%): The nose is still lovely. Lighter, weaker alcohol burn. doesn't add anything, but it does get rid of some roughness. 20/25
Total Ranking: 70% Legendary, Amazing, Great, Good, Fair, Average, Tolerable, Swill
Conclusion: This is a cocktail whiskey, not a sipping whiskey. Their website even recommends it in a perfect Manhattan. The dry vermouth would play well with the spiced floral character. That said, it sets a market cap for its utility. I can think of a few things to do with this, but above $30 a bottle is too high for something I want to avoid sipping straight. I'm curious to try their 8-year barrel selection and their Special reserve. You can skip the neat pour at the bar, but if a cocktail with it is featured on the menu, give it a shot.
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