Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye

Nose: Dusty, with an artificial cherry undertone, faint wood, muted baking spices, and some soapy notes. Neat: Reasonably spicy and flavorful, also tastes dusty, with a good amount of wood. It's remarkably dusty, I can't stress that enough. Some rye notes linger in the background, tasting like cereal, perhaps stale Cheerios? On ice: The rye is definitely more prominent, along with very faint background notes of cherry that seem more natural than artificial. Dusty baking spices remain the dominant taste. Some wood tannin emerges in the aftertaste/finish, with lingering wood notes. The stale cereal impression still comes to mind. Drink Recommendation: I'd suggest Old Pal, as the dusty notes could be a fun concept/gimmick with the cocktail's name. Verdict: Skip It: It's essentially a whiskey covered in dusty baking spices, almost tasting stale. It's not unpleasant, but rather perplexing in its taste and drinking experience. It makes me want to drink something else to cleanse my palate. I'm genuinely struggling to devise a good cocktail for this, as I fear it would turn my drink into a dust bowl.

Nose: butterscotch candy, black tea, licorice, eucalyptus, clove, brown butter salted caramel, with a moderate ethanol burn. Palate: butterscotch candy, licorice, eucalyptus, black tea, clove, somewhat sweet oak, a moderate alcohol bite, ending quickly with tannic oak notes resembling black tea, and youthful alcohol flavors. I visited the Catoctin Creek distillery today and learned how to pronounce its name. I respect their in-house distilling, aging, and bottling process. They utilize small casks and Minnesota oak to swiftly transfer wood characteristics to the spirit. Although this rye seems young, its full flavor is surprising for being aged less than two years. The flavors are pleasant, yet it still feels unfinished. I am very keen to try their Rabble Rouser BiB expression, but it's an annual release that is hard to get, even in Virginia.

I visited the distillery and found the staff to be passionate and informed, and I have high expectations for them. However, at the time of my visit (2014), their spirits were still quite young, and it was noticeable--a lot of new spirit burn, particularly on the nose. It does possess rich, syrupy flavors with some peppery notes that show potential, so I am eager for their products to be aged longer.

Quick review from the Virginia Spirits Expo: This Virginia Rye's aroma has the typical dill rye scent along with banana nut bread. The palate has a hint of caramel, but the baking spices stand out before a short, sweet finish returns. A very accessible rye that seems stronger than its low proof.

The nose immediately reveals its youth. The palate is quite smooth, which makes sense given its 40% ABV, and has an interesting oak flavor, as if it was only toasted and not fully charred. The finish has very little spice, ending with tangerine and orange. I wonder why they chose this lower alcohol content.

Nose: somewhat scotch-like? A little light yet sharp. Reminds me of the white label Dewars I never touch. Old cereal with fruity malt notes. Like a boozy uncle's Froot Loops. Palate: swift and light. A hint of rye. Gentle spice, vanilla, and subdued alcohol. Finish: fleeting with a touch of rye sharpness that leaves me wanting another sip...