Cream of Kentucky Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey

Acquired this on a whim some time ago, and was surprised to find any bottle with those initials on the shelf. Honestly, the $75 price tag for something just shy of Bottled-in-Bond specifications made me a bit hesitant, but it was 2022, and $75 has become the new $60, so I went for it. It pours a somewhat ruddy gold. The aroma is, well, peculiar. Very herbaceous, with a somewhat green and unusual character, there's a hint of tea, a dash of mint, and an almost vegetable-like note that, I admit, didn't resonate well. In essence, it seems uncertain of its identity (which is somewhat strange, given the signature on the bottle). The flavor is unmistakably rye – bold, spicy, herby, minty, and with a mild dill pickle note. This is a considerable improvement in flavor, even if not perfectly suited to my preferences. There's a bit of brown sugar chewiness on the finish that maintains a spicy character for a considerable duration. Did I enjoy this? Initially, no, and the aroma never appealed to me, but the palate is interesting and makes it a selection to present when a guest is seeking something novel, or is a rye enthusiast. However, it would be quite off-putting to someone who prefers sweeter profiles.

What's not to like here? The nose hints at subtle dill rye, while the palate delivers nuanced rye flavors of unsalted, roasted walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans (and possibly cashews). The finish provides an understated yet markedly enjoyable lingering sweetness. If the price were $50-$65, buying a bottle would be an easy decision. However, various online reviews suggest that a price point nearing $90 might discourage purchasing a four-year, bonded, 100-proof debut whiskey. Ultimately, this is an elegant, unique pour, skillfully crafted by a specific distiller, priced at a level that may cause hesitation before acquiring a bottle. With only 70 barrels produced, it's reasonable to save up and splurge on this if you already have a Willett 4-year, Pikesville, or similar, readily available ryes on your shelf.

A prominent chocolate character is evident on both the nose and palate, presenting as forward, dark, and almost dry. As this recedes, typical rye grain notes emerge, along with fresh, subtly minty hints. The finish is crisp and brief. It's a distinctive pour; while I'm not completely enamored, I'm pleased to have it for personal enjoyment and to share with friends.

Aroma: Distinctive rye bread scent. Reminiscent of putting your nose into a bag of rye bagel chips. Body: medium Taste: Abundant rye flavor. A whisper of chocolate. Finish: Medium to long, with a rye bread character. Note: This is a slightly unconventional rye from a specific source. I appreciate the effort involved. It delivers a substantial amount of rye flavor. It's quite good, but not quite my preference.

The aroma presents malty, toasted cereal notes with a hint of cinnamon. The palate is smooth and creamy. I don't detect the intense spice or spearmint typically associated with a rye; instead, it offers a gentle, gradually building warmth for a pleasant finish. This ranks among the better ryes I've sampled.

Nose: Caramel, herbal notes, mint, green apple, honeysuckle, vanilla. Palate: Starts with caramel/brown sugar, transitions to green apple and vanilla, then finishes with black pepper and anise. Medium body. Finish: Medium to short, featuring mint, black pepper, anise, vanilla, and a gentle warmth.