Barrell Rye Single Barrel #M734

Selected by the Bull City Bourbon Club, named "Rye'm or Raisin." Barrel No. V933. Made from 100% Canadian rye, aged 15 years and 9 months. It has an ABV of 67.92% (135.84 proof). The bottle has been open for 2 months. Aroma: Golden raisins, roses, oranges, ginger snap cookies, pine resin, white pepper, subtle oak, and potent ethanol. Palate: Freshly ground peppercorns, mixed raisins, vanilla bean, Turkish delight, mild anise, clove, pine needles, powdered sugar, and corn flour. The finish is extended, featuring a blend of peppercorns, very dry raisins, chalk, candy corn, pine bark, and sharp ethanol. This is another outstanding selection from Barrell, and undoubtedly the finest Canadian rye I have encountered (though my experience is limited). It was initially quite strong and ethanol-forward upon opening, but it mellowed nicely. While Barrell products are not inexpensive, this represents a considerable improvement over Alberta Premium Cask Strength for only a $25 difference. That previous bottle was all intense spice with no nuance; this one offers raisins, syrup, and conifer notes to complement the expected spiciness of a rye exceeding 130 proof. I highly recommend looking for their rye bottlings sourced from Canadian rye. Their MGP single barrel ryes are also excellent, but MGP rye is widely available.

From the Bull City Bourbon Club, "Rye'm or Raisin" Barrel No. V933 100% Canadian rye 15 years and 9 months old 67.92% abv; 135.84 proof Opened 2 months ago Smells like golden raisins, roses, oranges, ginger snaps, pine sap, white pepper, mild oak, and intense ethanol. Taste is like freshly cracked peppercorns, a mix of raisins, vanilla bean, Turkish delight, subtle anise, clove, pine needles, powdered sugar, and corn flour. The finish lasts a long time with a variety of peppercorns, very dry raisins, chalk, candy corn, pine bark, and biting ethanol. This is another amazing Barrell selection, and definitely the top Canadian rye I've experienced (though I haven't tried many). It was a little overpowering and ethanol-heavy when I first cracked it, but it mellowed out nicely. While Barrell isn't inexpensive, this is a considerable upgrade from Alberta Premium Cask Strength for just $25 more. That other bottle was just hot spice with no depth, but this has the raisins, sweetness, and pine notes to balance the spice you anticipate from a rye over 130 proof. I strongly suggest it if you come across their rye bottling from the Canadian source. Their MGP rye single barrels are also great, but MGP rye is common.

A pick from the Bull City Bourbon Club, named "Ryed 'n Durty." Smell: Black pepper, roasted nuts, spearmint, caramel, dark syrup. Taste: Allspice, nutmeg, wood, caramel, black pepper, surprisingly sweet. The finish is lengthy and potent, with intense rye spice, oak, alcohol, and mint. My tasting experience was primarily focused on flavor due to the outdoor setting and plastic cups. I don't want to criticize the establishment, as their weekly event is an excellent offer. Alley Twenty Six in downtown Durham is selling one featured spirit at cost, served either straight or mixed. The Barrell Rye, usually priced at $100 in NC, is an incredible value at $5.75 a serving when it typically costs over $20. This particular Barrell pick wasn't one I acquired myself, but the taste profile is certainly present. Next time, I'll bring my own tasting glass. For reference on the amazing Wednesday deals, they also offered the latest WhistlePig Boss Hog (retailing for $500 in NC) at $33 per pour this week. After two servings of the Barrell Rye, I ordered a Manhattan to accompany it, which turned out to be one of the finest I've had in a considerable time.

Sweet, with a prominent maple flavor. It drinks much lighter than its 113 proof suggests.