Buffalo Trace Kosher Straight Rye (2020 Release)

As far as I know, I've never tried a Kosher whiskey before. This will be my first, although I will be reviewing BT's two bourbon releases on time. I'm unsure what to anticipate, beyond my knowledge of Sazerac and Colonel E.H. Taylor Rye. Nose: Black licorice and dill pickle. Black pepper, clove, and nutmeg. Some apple, cherry, and new car leather, indicative of a Buffalo Trace rye. Vanilla and apricot. Some pistachio. Oak and pumpkin spice. Palate: Apple and cherry carry through. Caramel and vanilla. Dill and black licorice. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Mint chocolate. Oak. More apricot and pumpkin spice. Finish: Cherry leads. Then all the spices. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg. Dill. Oak. Moderately long to long. A bit warm but not unpleasant. I looked online, and this isn't very popular. In fact, many people dislike it. Personally, I think it holds its own against Sazerac and Colonel E.H. Taylor at every level. Colonel Taylor is the best of the three, but it costs twice as much. This is more than half as good as the Taylor, and equivalent to Sazerac. It's somewhat bold. It exhibits many classic rye characteristics, which I enjoy. Yet, it possesses a distinct Buffalo Trace flavor. I must mention that it has greatly improved with age. I didn't enjoy it much when I first opened the bottle. Overall score is 4.25. I increased the score by half a star for value. At $40, it's one of the more affordable quality ryes in my area. I'm not sure if this was a limited release or will remain a core product. If you can find it at this price, it's worth trying.

I was given a set of three samples of their various Kosher expressions. I'm very interested to see how this compares to Sazerac Rye (baby Saz) given they share the same mashbill and are at a similar proof. Let's find out. Nose: Red apple, raisin, rye spice, leather, caramel, dusty oak, and vanilla icing. Palate: Sweet and creamy with notes of red apple, leather, rye spice, vanilla, and a pleasant herbal characteristic. Finish: Moderately long with lingering rye, vanilla icing, dried fruit, and a subtle bitterness. This was highly enjoyable. Compared to the baby Saz, the Kosher version seemed to possess a bit more depth, smoother edges, and a more pleasing leather note. The Baby Saz was brighter overall, with the corn more prominent. Additionally, the Kosher appeared slightly darker in color. I wonder if it's an older product?

Very prominent. Dill is all over this. Present in the nose, especially on the palate, and lingers in the finish. I would have guessed this was a young MGP rye. It really prevents appreciation of any other flavors. Not a fan.

Spicy like a rye whiskey, with hints of citrus and clove.