Bower Hill Reserve Rye

With a high barley content of 49%, it's not as sweet as it would be with corn or a higher rye percentage. You get the expected grassy, cereal notes from barley, along with a slightly sweet flavor and nuanced spices, including pepper from the rye. The local liquor store brought it in but is now discontinuing it because no one is buying it. It costs around $50, but the unusual mash bill deters people from trying it. I'm glad I did.

This one is challenging to score. It's skillfully made and well-balanced, but that spearmint flavor is really not to my liking. To be fair, it's the best example of a strong spearmint whiskey I've encountered, and I did finish the sample. However, I wouldn't be eager for a second serving. It's quite the opposite of the rye profile I prefer, which is spicy rye without any mint whatsoever. I'd give it 4 stars for quality, 2.75 for flavor, and 3.5 overall.

Holiday Calendar 2018 Sixteenth Day