Cedar Ridge High Rye Bourbon Whiskey

Color is a deep coppery orange, appearing lighter in the glass with a somewhat thin body and slow legs. The aroma is classic rye with notes of hay, menthol, subtle cinnamon, cream, and chili peppers. It's clean and pure, allowing for deep inhales without any burning sensation. The taste is nicely spiced. Chili peppers and cream are prominent, joined by strong notes of allspice, anise, and particularly clove. There's a hint of vanilla. Sweetness is moderate throughout the tasting. Cracked black pepper, menthol, and a gentle note of charred barrel coat the palate and linger noticeably on the finish, with cloves being the last flavor to fade. Overall, it's quite spicy, more so than many common barely legal rye whiskeys. A surprisingly well-crafted dram for a small-market Iowa product. Not a top-tier winner, but an exceptional value at $30 for a 46% single barrel craft bourbon with no ethanol scent. (Purchased the Bubbles version for $20 on clearance, with four bottles remaining).