Dry Fly Straight Triticale

I previously enjoyed the Dry Fly Triticale 5 year port barrel finish several years ago. Now I'm trying their 3 year straight triticale at 45% ABV. Triticale, a robust Scottish wheat-rye hybrid, is sourced locally in Washington. Tasting neat. Golden straw color with average coating legs in the glass. The nose is light, featuring floral grain, bubble gum, and a faint hint of spice in the background. On the palate, there's dry ethanol and baking spices, along with mint and a sour, earthy grape must. Sweetness appears but is dry rather than succulent. The finish is sweet/sour, with dry grass and mint. It's dry and leaves a lingering tingle in the mouth. Adding ice significantly reduces the initial dry ethanol rush, making it quite enjoyable, similar to a younger rye. This is an interesting whiskey, as are all Dry Fly products. I commend their efforts with wheat and grains from eastern Washington. I still believe most of their spirits would benefit from additional time in oak (as the 5 and 6 year versions have been considerably superior to the 3 year bottlings). That said, there's nothing objectionable here; it's more akin to a young rye whiskey.

An intense American Grain Whiskey, matured for three years in American Oak by Dry Fly Distillery, the first licensed distillery in Washington State since Prohibition. It presents an earthy origin with hints of spicy vanilla, caramel, a touch of fruit, and lavender. Its spicy life introduces floral, wheat, and rye characteristics, culminating in a lengthy conclusion with additional rye spice (peppery ginger). Harvested August / Aged December 2018 / Bottled August 2022.

Disclaimer: I have a 5 year old Total Wine exclusive bottling, not this specific one. It presents as spicy and appley. A small amount of water enhances the peppery notes, causing them to surge on the mid-palate and finish. An additional drop moderates the spice, bringing sweetness to the forefront. This is a spirit that offers an evolving experience.

This is a very accessible pour for those new to Bourbon or who prefer a milder spirit. It's light, smooth, and sweet, owing to the wheat character, with hints of rye. All these elements are combined in a unique grain blend. The aromas and flavors integrate well. It's a good whiskey, but as it's a Washington State exclusive, I won't be purchasing it again.

A good observation about the wheat toast with cinnamon. The nose is moderate, with a clear cereal scent and rye spice that intensifies and dominates the wheat in the finish, which is rather lengthy.

Subtle sweet scent. Tastes like plain sugar, perhaps from sugarcane? Very delicate taste with notes of wood and possibly wheat or rye. Lacks body, concludes quickly, and seems a bit immature.