Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Straight Rye 2022 Single Cask #8 (Lost Lantern)

Score: 19/23 Nose: Unexpectedly sweet, with notes of toasted marshmallow. Feels oily with faint ginger. Perhaps a whisper of mint. A subtle minerality is present but doesn't thin out the oiliness. An appealing aroma with a rich feel. Palate: This exhibits more oiliness and less leather than previous expressions of this rye I've encountered. It presents flavors of toasted marshmallow, candied orange peel, baking spices, mint (potentially spearmint, used effectively), and another citrus note that's more tart, possibly pomelo. There's some licorice, but not the leathery kind I usually associate with this brand. It might even have a touch of maple. It's remarkably smooth for its style and alcohol content. While not packed with robust complexity, there's a subtlety present. It leans towards a decadent profile. Finish: Pronounced oiliness. The toasted marshmallow flavor persists, alongside more candied orange. Faint hints of baking spices. - Summary - Spirits often struggle to achieve adequate aging without overwhelming bitterness from tannins. Based on my limited experience, this particular brand avoids that issue. It's a strong producer that is enjoyable for the right occasion (which happens at least weekly). This expression enhances the oiliness, reduces the tannins (to the point where it doesn't taste particularly leathery), and diminishes some of the brighter fruit and bolder flavors. It possesses a more refined quality. I like it a lot, and while this shift toward greater refinement would typically be a significant advantage for most spirits, I'm uncertain if it's entirely beneficial here. The reason is that I don't believe this brand needs refinement; it's already quite complete. Would I prefer it with more oiliness and toasted marshmallow? That sounds fantastic, but it might not work out. To be perfectly clear, however: this presents serious competition for the brand's Single Barrel Cask Strength expression (rated 19/23). I'm undecided on which is superior. I enjoy both immensely. That places this one at a 19 as well. Revisiting this, the other expression is drier and less smooth, but more engaging and leathery. This one offers smoothness, sweetness, nuttiness, and oiliness. Honestly, I'm now appreciating the sweetness and richness here more than before. Its decadence is currently outweighing the other expression. Ah, the other one has a pleasant hint of cognac. That's what's swaying me now. They are very close. I believe I'll settle on a 19 for this one. Considering the price, I think the other expression offers better value, but this one has a really appealing character that the other lacks, so I wouldn't completely dismiss it in favor of the other.