Cedar Ridge Malted Rye

2019 single barrel store selection. 92 proof. I am really liking this. It's the most similar I've ever had to the finished rye from Angel's Envy. All smooth vanilla and cinnamon. I'm not sure how the single barrel and slightly higher proof compares to the usual 86 proof version, but this is remarkable. The aroma is clear, sweet, and milky, like the leftover milk after eating Cinnamon Life cereal. A rye with pleasant spice but incredibly smooth. Sweet Demerara with a rich, slick mouthfeel, followed by intense Big Red cinnamon that lingers. The finish has a pleasant tingle for a full minute. It's not overly complicated, but it appears to have a specific flavor goal and achieves it perfectly. Very impressed for a craft producer. I might get more for my stash.

I was eager to try this uncommon malted rye, and it's now available locally. My notes are from a neat serving of Batch 3. The grain bill is 51% malted rye, 34% rye, 12% corn, and 3% malted barley, according to their website. A source claims it's 100% rye; maybe that was an earlier batch. It has the expected rye flavor and spice, but it's less intense than most ryes. The texture is pleasantly smooth and almost creamy. The finish is quite long with a mild spiciness. I hope you can get this dram where you are, or at least have flexible shipping laws. It's a truly distinctive rye.

I received this in a 200ml sample pack of three Cedar Ridge whiskeys. I wish I had a full bottle of this one! It's unique, smooth, and has a long-lasting tingle sensation, making it quite interesting. It stands on its own, and I enjoyed it! While it doesn't have deep flavors, the flavors are well-executed and it's so smooth that it kept me coming back for more. Batch 16. Bottle 3207. I might need to add this to my collection soon!

Aroma of chocolate and caramelized sugar. First sip brings the familiar warmth and spice of rye, followed by a developing sweetness. The chocolate and sugar from the nose reappear, leading the palate to a respectable, warm, coating, and enduring rye finish.

Initially, the aroma was purely alcohol. After the first taste, the smell became richer and deeper. A mild chocolate note emerged. The immediate flavor was sweet fruit, and it finished on that same sweet note.

Smelled dusty, a bit of cherry, acetone, and pine. Tasted sweet and woody with cedar notes. Cask: bourbon. Rating: 3 stars. This is an unpeated spirit that seems young and very piney. It's peculiar/unusual. Perhaps Westland Solum?