Driftless Glen 51 Rye Whiskey

This is an interesting one. It's a barely legal (51%) rye, crafted in the Maryland tradition, meaning substantial corn and a barley foundation. The outcome..... a genuinely pleasant, gentler, and fruitier expression with nice nutmeg, traces of mint spices, but with a fresh and lively peach skin note. Imagine the aroma of a freshly picked basket of peaches! Wonderfully good. I truly enjoyed this. I appreciate what the distillery is aiming for in their entire operation. They are not using sourced whiskey; they are producing their own with an impressive column still, and even have a pot setup for other distillations. Their aging bourbon and rye stocks are now reaching a good point, hitting that 5+ year mark....and they will only improve from there. As an additional note, their restaurant and cocktail program are outstanding! They primarily source their rye and wheat grains from Illinois and some rye from Canada. The grain is all non-GMO, they use a sweet mash instead of a sour mash, and the result is a quality product. This distillery strikes me as one on the rise. The owners did not cut corners when they decided to make whiskey. Selecting a consultant in their initial days proves they wanted to do things correctly, didn't skimp on expenses.... and it's evident. A great operation on a beautiful historic property in downtown Baraboo. Their distillery and restaurant experience simply enhances what is in the glass. This 51% rye is worth the purchase. Keep this midwest, northern distillery in mind because I foresee good things developing. Definitely warrants your attention.

I've never felt so out of my element. Very herbal but not overpowering; it's undeniably good, but it's not for me. No spice. The nose has alcohol, but the palate is completely free of it. Its herbal quality is almost reminiscent of gin.

One of my favorites. A high proof Rye Whiskey with a surprisingly smooth finish for the high proof. Recently received an 89 rating in Whiskey Advocate and a silver medal in the London Spirits Competition. More of a Maryland style Rye.

Quite good. No indication of being young or musty, which is outstanding. With additional aging, this should be excellent.

Woody. Perhaps a hint of spice. Leather notes emerge long after the finish. A small addition of water introduces a musty quality.

Slightly musty, a little spicy, it significantly improved with a couple drops of water.