13th Colony Southern Rye Whiskey

This is my fourth product from 13th Colony that I've reviewed, and it's my favorite of the group. 13th Colony Southern Rye Whiskey is a powerfully bold rye that is excellent neat and makes a fantastic Old Fashioned and Manhattan. It presents a medium amber color in the glass and coats the sides nicely. The aroma features baking spices like nutmeg and clove, with no ethanol detected. The body is wonderfully substantial and long-lasting, with the spice lingering on my tongue, accompanied by a slight burn that confirms its potency. The finish is lengthy with some wood notes emerging and a prolonged duration. Regarding mixed drinks, as I mentioned, it makes an outstanding Old Fashioned. It truly excels in a Manhattan, being great with inexpensive vermouth and a masterpiece with Cocchi Vermouth di Torino. The full rye flavor pairs exceptionally well with the vermouth. I'm very fond of this rye. I purchased it for approximately $33 but have seen it priced as high as $42. If you're a fan of rye whiskey and enjoy robust flavors, this is an easy recommendation. Enjoy.

Aroma - Smells like Bazooka Joe bubblegum and a bit of red-hot candies. Oh my. It then shifted, and I'm getting a root beer float scent. Wow, that's surprising. It brings back memories of simpler times and a fond memory of my Grandma. I honestly don't want to analyze the aroma further... I apologize. It's too sentimental for me. I'll just leave it at that and reflect on some wonderful childhood moments. Taste - A very bready rye. Some darker flavors are coming through (berries and molasses). I'm still detecting a slight root beer note. Very faint hints of mint on the finish. I was expecting more. Overall - Yes... it's good and better than average for the cost. The body and finish are extremely thin, which is expected at 95 proof. However, I wish I didn't have to go through a specific retailer to get it. I probably won't buy it again unless I find it on shelves at its suggested retail price. (It's just not worth the retail price plus shipping, along with the low proof).

Nose: A lot of rye. Seriously, a lot. Candy corn is also present. Honestly, a pretty good nose. Palate: Hot at first. It remains mostly hot, but you can detect the rye and a bit of sweetness. Finish: Short and sweet. That's all there is. Overall: Not the worst thing I've had. I was strongly against buying it, but my fiancé wanted it, so she purchased it. Definitely not disappointed. I probably wouldn't buy it again, but it's not bad!

For its cost, this is a solid whiskey. The aroma has a pronounced alcohol presence with subtle oak notes. It has a good viscosity and the flavors linger. Initially, it's sweet with a touch of vanilla, transitioning to a robust leather taste at the finish. This offers a taste very similar to Johnnie Walker Blue but at a fraction of the price.

I appreciate the 13th bourbon, but the french oak finish on this rye is excessively strong and overwhelms the entire taste. It's certainly not something I'd seek out again, so it will be set aside for those who can enjoy it. It's drinkable, just too heavily finished and not to my preference.

My initial tasting wasn't as favorable, but after returning to it a few days later, it improved significantly. A better rye experience the second time around, and for under $40, it's a great value. I slightly prefer their southern bourbon expression, but I don't regret this purchase.