Bone Snapper X-Ray Straight Rye Whiskey

Served: A 1-finger pour with 5 drops of water to enhance the notes. Notes: (I'm comparing this to the regular Bone Snapper Rye to illustrate how age affects the flavors.) As soon as I pour, I bring it to my nose. I set it down, then bring it up again. The nose offers what the regular Bone Snapper Rye presented, yet slightly altered. The aroma immediately gives off a whiff of apple cider vinegar, followed by tannins, sweet vanilla caramel, pine, chrism, and a saltiness reminiscent of the sea. I take a sip, and the X-ray coats my mouth with a thick, oily consistency. I'm met with salted caramel, sweet-16 apples, tannins, and buttered oak. The mouthful concludes with a perfumey apple and vanilla tobacco taste. This rye is incredibly smooth while still delivering a peppery quality akin to tannins rather than peppercorn itself. It retains complexity and sweetness, but it's much milder than the regular Bone Snapper rye. Comments: With age, the Bone Snapper Rye known as the X-Ray 4-year reserve develops a much smoother and mellower character without sacrificing a slight bite that rye enthusiasts will surely appreciate. Backbone Bourbon Co. is simply phenomenal! Both the X-Ray and the standard Bone Snapper Ryes are essential additions to one's collection. This Rye gets a 4.0 rating, rather than the 4.25 for the regular Bone Snapper, because I personally prefer a good kick and deeper complexity along with more pepper-like notes in my ryes. Think of the regular Bone Snapper as a younger sibling to the X-Ray. The younger sibling is much more wild and spicy, while the older sibling is more mature and smooth. Both are equally amazing, though distinct.

This bottle caught my eye on the shelf, and I probably would have overlooked it if something more intriguing had been available. On this particular day, nothing else stood out, so the bottle came home with me. The nose is distinctly rye and smells like a pine forest. Not the most appealing scent, but perhaps the taste will compensate. The first sip certainly delivers flavor. There's a considerable amount of caramel for a rye, which is quite surprising. Then the characteristic rye backbone emerges with some spice. I definitely detect that woody pine note common in young ryes. The finish offers a mild black pepper heat, never becoming too intense. This gradually fades into some lingering sweetness. Overall, I'm quite impressed with this one. For a 4-year rye, it's remarkably easy to drink. I'd certainly purchase another when this bottle runs out. Don't let the somewhat kitschy label fool you; give it a try.

The aroma bursts with lemon pepper, hay, barnyard notes, blood orange, cinnamon, honeysuckle, and brown sugar with vanilla. You can also detect a leafy herb scent reminiscent of basil, oregano, or thyme. It's a complex and appealing smell. The taste features layers of lemon poppy seed muffin, those "orange slice" candies, snickerdoodle cookie, vanilla, and a touch of oak. The flavors are vibrant and powerful. The finish is exceptionally long, with notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, rye spice, black pepper, chili pepper, and orange and lemon zest. Everything about this whiskey is wonderfully explosive. For $55, this is an unbelievable deal. Is it really a 4.75? Absolutely. I mean... what? On second thought, this is awful. Nobody should purchase it! Well, unless you're outside the Phoenix, Arizona area. If you are, get one. I'm buying another bottle before everyone finds out.

Sourced from MGP, and it's refreshing to see Backbone Bourbon Co. transparent about their source. The mash bill is 95% rye and 5% barley. This bottle is designated batch #1 and bottled at 110 proof. On the nose are clove, nutmeg, cinnamon bark and licorice along with notes of banana bread, citrus pine, roasted peanuts, and coal fire. The palate is vibrant and explosive with intense peppercorn, cinnamon bun, toasted caramel, and honeyed candied ginger. The texture is sharp yet rich. An excellent value.

This ranks among the finest rye whiskeys I've encountered. The aroma is sharp with a very faint sweetness. The taste begins smooth and slightly sweet, then powerfully spicy and refined upon hitting the palate. The lingering spice in the finish is magnificent! A superb bottle available for under $60.

I regret not checking the alcohol content before my first sip. It was spicy and intense before adding ice. Sweet! Still hot. A standard rye, nothing more, nothing less.