Balcones Texas Rye Cask Strength Single Barrel (Spec's Pick)

Barrel No. 19998. Aged 2 years. Bottled on 04-29-20. Open for 5 months. Nose: Chocolate coffee malt, imperial stout, rye grain, dry oak, burnt marshmallow, and strong ethanol. Palate: Ground coffee and cocoa beans, unsweetened dark chocolate, rye bread, light toffee, and a significant impact of oak and ethanol. A long finish with dry and hot oak, rye spice, and ethanol. It can be excessively hot and oaky if you do not take small sips. My perception of this changed dramatically from the first taste to now. When I shared it with my companion, we both believed it might be the finest thing we had ever sampled. It tasted like cask strength Brown Forman whiskey with slightly more rye bread, chocolate, and molasses. It was undoubtedly a 5/5. However, after being open for a few weeks, it transformed considerably. The sweet notes diminished, and it became much hotter, oakier, drier, and grainier. Cocoa beans, coffee grounds, and oak chips are all I can detect with every sip. I do not drink coffee, which I believe greatly influences my opinion. Even if you enjoy this flavor profile, the heat and viscosity will overwhelm your palate. This is one of those spirits where you will slowly savor one glass for 45 minutes and likely not have a second.

Overwhelming initially, but truly shines after a few minutes with an ice cube melting. Offers a spicy and chocolate finish. This rye has so much character. Undoubtedly my preferred rye for sipping.

Excellent toasted rye. Smells of brown sugar and butter. Huge chocolate finish. It's truly incredible. The best rye I've ever tried. Likely in my top 3 whiskeys.

A very distinct flavor profile. I'm detecting a finish of peat and molasses. It's almost like a Scotch or rye.

A bit too strong for me, but it's very nice with a little ice.