Color (5%): Faint light caramel, to golden hay hues. Doesn't really thin out at the edges at all. 5/5
Nose (10%): nice roasted aroma. rye, baking spice, tobacco, peppercorn, heather honey. fairly light on the aroma for the proof. lightness is alright but I expected more punch. 8/10
Palate (20%): starts with light brown sugar sweetness. dry oak, leather. a nice sweet and spicy whiskey, a good oaky note given the 6 years in a colder environment. good for mixing in cocktails. decent on its own. 14/20
Finish (10%): actually a swift hit of spice that very quickly fades into a light mild finish. medium length. Not a rough alcohol burn at all. 7/10
Overall Impression and Harmony (30%): Not my favorite whiskey for sipping neat but seems perfectly good for sours or other cocktails. It's a pretty balanced rye all around but nothing exceptional in any particular direction. It's clearly made by a professional and doesn't have that harsh ethanol burn many whiskeys have had for me lately when I sip them neat. Very similar to other Canadian ryes I've had. 17/30
Retry on Ice (25%): I do think this genuinely makes it better. Things really start to come out in terms of spices. much more bite and punch. Still very clean but the flavor is more pronounced. 22/25
Total Ranking: 73% Legendary, Amazing, Great, Good, Fair, Average, Tolerable, Swill
Estimated Fair Price: $28
Actual Price: $50
Conclusion: Apparently Dave Pickerell designed this whiskey for the purpose of it being used in cocktails and as a more budget-friendly to the more expensive Whistlepig options. I have extreme respect for the late Dave Pickerell. The thing is it's still a pricey rye. I can see how certain bars could use this for signature menu cocktail options as a promotion. In fact, my current place of employment uses this for one of their drinks at the $16 price mark. I wouldn't buy this at MSRP. It's fine though but there are better options for sipping at that price and cheaper options for cocktail purposes.
Fact Sheet: 100% Rye
Distillery Location: Vermont, source from Canada unknown
ABV: 48.28%
Age Statement: 6 years in American oak barrels