Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2021 (Batch 3)

Distillery name, Restoration Kentucky Rye Whiskey, 2021, Batch 3, Bottle #17680, aged 3.5 years, 52.5% ABV, 105 proof. Tasted neat. On the nose, sweet grain, peanuts, and a hint of floral vanilla. Light copper color and strong coating legs in the glass. Sweet maple syrup, vanilla oak, ethanol blast, then leather and dry tannins. A little earthy/funky (acidic and macerated "green," reminiscent of the whiff of fresh horse apples), and there's an acrid dry puckering effect in the mouth. That earthy funk contrasts with the grain sweetness. Finish is tannic and grassy rye with light spice. Dry and then gone fairly quickly. An interesting 65% rye with corn and malted barley mashbill, but the acrid tannins dominate the flavor. Usually I don't mind that, but as a rye this leaves me unimpressed. It's good, but I'm not as convinced as the staff reviewer. Ice mellows the tannins but also reduces the rye spice. The funk seems more pronounced. Finally, I'm not a fan of or impressed by the heavily faceted bottle with a metal year plaque, band around the neck, and large stopper cover. It's too much like a heavy decorative decanter, difficult to handle and pour. I'd prefer a more practical bottle because I'll be recycling this anyway. Seriously! Then refund me the extra $5 that bottle added to the price of $46. Now the price is more appropriate.

Acquired from the distillery during our spring journey. The location is stunning, a definite recommendation if you are in the vicinity. We sampled this in several Old Fashioned cocktails while there and found it impressive. I detect cherry and brown sugar on the aroma, along with a hint of musty grain. Something slightly unusual appears on the tongue, a kind of floral note. The conclusion is a lasting dry oak. A very good rye. We included this bottle in our rye competition; most enjoyed it, but it could not compete with the Willett, Rare Breed, or Last Feather Cask Strength bottles.

Restoration is quite pleasant. Some ryes might be a little rough or unrefined, but Castle and Key offers Restoration in a polished and orderly way. It’s a surprising, engaging, and appealing journey that makes me want to keep this one on hand more often. Given the impressive spirits C&K has produced to date, I am keen to see their future output in the coming 5-7 years. Good job.

This rye whiskey evoked thoughts of a Reuben sandwich, making it a solid choice. The aroma presents notes of rye bread, lemon, caramel, and botanicals. The taste mirrors the aroma, with the caramel notes intensifying as you savor it. Oak emerges towards the conclusion, not overwhelmingly but as a pleasant and appreciated element. The aftertaste is a delightful blend of rye, caramel, and oak. Certainly a pleasure to drink.

It's potent, with baking spices and clove, leading to a slightly sweet conclusion. I acquired this without noticing the distillery. This rye was in the barrel during a visit years ago when bourbon and rye weren't available. I need to return; the grounds were beautiful!

Nothing beats passing time after a softball game with a sample of this distillery's offering. A bit of heat and spice, but smooth.