Company on Label: Rare Character
Whiskey Type: Finished Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 51% rye, 45% corn, 4% malted barley
Proof: 110.9°
Age: 7 years (7.4 years is listed on the front label)
Further identification: This is barrel MAP-R-02 which was distilled 10-31-2016 and bottled in February of 2024; it is available now at Liquor Junction at an MSRP of $109.99
Nose: Dusty old woodshop aromas jump out of the glass first, with this whiskey clearly having spent sufficient time in the barrel. Caramel, nougat, praline, and cacao nibs are wonderfully creamy additions to deep inhales of this rich whiskey. Linen and level oak continue the story of maturation at every step of the journey. The nose is bold and bright, offering nuances of butterscotch and honey along the way. The empty glass smells of singed orange peel and a subtle smoked old-fashioned.
Palate: At first sip, you'll find a savory, sweet treat. Raspberry, chocolate mousse, candied walnut, and chicory coffee dance in the mouth like that special dessert you only have on momentous occasions. It's a classy, elegant sip that has been refined by time without burying the original whiskey that was produced. The Kentucky aging of that Indiana rye (knowing the warehouse from whence it came) has cooled this considerably into a beautiful session sipper well fit for spring or summer. My last sip is most notably rye forward, as citrus zest squeezes past all those sweet tones and tickles the tongue with a long linger of delicate florality.
Rating: Thumbs up
This is a barrel I helped select for Liquor Junction. As such, I have not given it my usual numerical score that would accompany an unbiased review.
Beginning to think that I need to dabble with ryes. This sounds great!