Laws Secale Straight Rye Whiskey

Aroma - A very sharp, sweet red berry/ethanol cleaning product scent, like alcoholic mint-berry Windex, eventually revealing vanilla buttercream frosting. Taste - Tastes like very Splenda-sweet medicinal mint berry cough drops, vanilla simple syrup with orange zest, light bittersweet cocoa nib, and a drying tannic heat. Finish - Lingering bittersweet cocoa nib/orange, extremely artificial Splenda-sweet, diabetic-level spearmint. Rating - 10/100 Final Thoughts - To me, there's nothing pleasant about this whiskey. It smelled like a cleaning product marketed to children, tasted like one, and left an intensely unpleasant artificial sweet aftertaste. Perhaps secale rye isn't for me? Regardless, I found nothing to like about it and debated how low a score I could reasonably assign, as this will likely serve as my benchmark for bad whiskey. I settled on 10/100 because they actually produced and bottled something for sale. If I had purchased a bottle, I would have demanded a refund; it was that bad. If a 0-star rating were possible, I'd give it.

So—the negative news first: another hour added to a flight delay in Denver. I had already consumed one AD Laws Four Grain during the initial delay; now this for the second. Hoping there are no more delays—two glasses are my limit. Nose is weak. Lacks rye character. The palate is weak, and I had hoped for more intensity. If you are in Colorado and wish to sample a local spirit, it offers a worthwhile experience. However, do not use your suitcase space to bring a bottle back. There are superior ryes available for much less money.

The aroma is soft, pleasant, and fruity – my favorite aspect of the spirit, with its layered sweet dessert profile… I just wish those buttery and immature woody notes weren't present. The palate initially feels tight and overly 'crafty,' but gradually reveals a more fruity and rustic character, though the dominant crafty, woody, sawdust impression never fully disappears. The finish begins with woodiness and fades to a fruity note reminiscent of fine Chilean Pisco (specifically the Bau Barroetta 9 year); quite unusual.

Disappointing. I was expecting richness but received a fruity, herbal surprise in the final stage. It does continue Laws' tradition of complexity, but it's not my preferred style of rye. If forced to choose, opt for the Laws Four Grain Bourbon instead.

An incredible dark aroma that I can't quite identify. The flavor begins with light grain, then a wave of spice arrives. Light spices, similar to baking spices. The delayed flavor is an interesting aspect. The heat is not excessive.

I really enjoy this whiskey. It has a superb balance of sweetness and floral notes, excellent persistence, and doesn't taste as strong as it is. I'm eager for the next batch.