Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Bottled in Bond Rye (2021 Release)

Nose: Pungent and sugary. A little alcohol sting. Palate: Cinnamon, but in the style of an Atomic Fireball, not a cinnamon roll. Significant sweetness on the palate, with the spice presenting concurrently. It possesses a peculiar character, akin to inhaling deeply from an aged whiskey cask. Finish: Enduringly long and sweet. Evokes a resemblance to their hickory-finished rye, sharing a prolonged and viscous finish. The palate's spice subsides agreeably, leaving a pleasant warmth not solely attributable to the alcohol content. With Water: This is a quality whiskey, but I questioned the excitement surrounding it until I introduced water. Dilution unlocks everything, revealing the positive aspects more readily and tempering the heat's intensity. The previously noted oddity transforms into a pleasing earthiness, reminiscent of an old library filled with leather-bound books. It seems unusual to require such descriptive language for a whiskey, yet this is the most intricate rye I have encountered. Overall: From the initial taste, it is unmistakably a Catoctin Creek rye, possessing a distinct baked-goods and earthy profile unmatched by other ryes. This distinctiveness alone confirms its uniqueness, albeit at a higher cost. My only reservation in awarding five stars is the need to ascertain the optimal water addition to fully appreciate its merits. Furthermore, this spirit is quite pricey and scarce. However, one could certainly find more fault with other whiskeys.

Nose: peculiar, the aroma isn't strong. Faint hints of rye bread and caramelized sugar. Taste: robust rye flavor, dark chocolate, and oak.

Sweet upfront with a very complex finish...nice warm finish...great choice