Corsair Dark Rye

[1.22.2022] The professional review's low score is somewhat surprising. I sampled this at the home of friends I hadn't seen since the pandemic began, served with an ice cube which might temper the heat some have noted. I found this whiskey to be quite mellow and easy to drink; I could have finished the bottle. The chocolate malt undertones were unexpected, though they are actually quite prominent, not subtle as I initially thought, especially considering they constitute only 4% of the composition. The flavor profile brought to mind chewing malted grains from the Guinness brewery, along with a bitterness reminiscent of sampling raw cocoa powder. Combined with the vanillins, I perceived it as sweeter than spicy, and mild. It's surprisingly good, but I don't have space for it on my shelf.

The aroma is warm and rich, with a depth surpassing its age – revealing rustic and dark sweet characteristics; The palate follows suit, but with more pronounced woody, "crafted" notes, dark chocolate-covered cherries, and hints of menthol; The finish is gentle, starting sweet before transitioning to a more rustic and almost tannic profile.

Unlike other ryes, it's not grassy. It features notes of coffee/chocolate and some pepper. It received a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition.

Straightforward and simple. Dark chocolate and white pepper accurately describe it, as noted on the bottle.

It delivers on its promise of a chocolate aftertaste, but the rest is just okay.

My preferred rye. Very smooth with pleasant chocolate notes on the finish.