Catoctin Creek Peach Barrel Select Rye

Nose: Reminds me of a cereal bar, with hints of cocoa nibs and a vibrant, citrusy peach, similar to that found in white peaches. Palate: There's a slightly chemical off-note, comparable to what I detect in Roundstone Rye, though it's sweetened by the finishing barrel. I anticipated more richness and a deeper, juicier flavor. While some of that is present, I would have preferred more pronounced peach fruitiness and less of the skin. It's somewhat citrusy and less fruit-forward. Finish: Short and rather unremarkable. Overall: A commendable effort from a craft distillery's flagship rye, with an interesting choice of finishing barrel. I had hoped for a juicier, fruitier peach, but it felt more like peach skins had been steeped in rye whiskey and then strained out. It's also a bit thin. On the positive side, it's a very intriguing variation, something few other distilleries attempt due to their reluctance to move away from more conventional wine or rum barrel finishes.

There isn't much information available for comparative reviews on this one, so I took a gamble at BevMo in San Diego and purchased it. Apparently, BevMo collaborated with Barrell and put their name on it, along with Catoctin. That was a misstep. Sorry, but for $80, I'll be generous and say, absolutely not!

Initial aroma of light peach and spice, followed by a more pronounced spice on the tongue. A pleasing character. The finish is smooth.

A faint hint of peach on the nose; the rye character emerges in the taste, with a slight warmth in the finish.