Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye

My sole issue with Elijah Craig Straight Rye is its absence of Old Forester 100 Proof Rye, my preferred choice in this price range. I've discussed this previously. This price point hosts other contenders with similar flavor profiles and value. Sazerac comes to mind; I appreciate its cola notes. With Old Forester, I enjoy the hint of banana alongside the rye's spice. This expression offers abundant caramel and mint. It's peculiar how this tastes like an enhanced Wild Turkey 101 despite its lower alcohol content. It would serve well as a daily drinker; although I acquired it for $32.99, which is $4 more than Old Forester, Old Forester occasionally sells out locally, making this a decent alternative. This expression secured the seventh spot on Whisky Advocate's 2020 top 20 list. Applying their criteria of being new to the year, widely accessible, and reasonably priced, its #7 ranking is understandable, and I appreciate it more than this year's #1, Jack Bonded, which I suspect was chosen using the same logic. I don't have significant faults to find here, but it doesn't particularly distinguish itself from others in its price category. If Old Forester is available, choose that. If not, this is a suitable option. If Sazerac is on the shelf, get it. Honestly, yes, opt for Sazerac, as it's the most elusive of the bunch. And if that's unavailable or your budget is tight, Overholt Bonded, Dickel Rye, or Jim Beam Rye represent minimal compromises. Numerous ryes of comparable quality are available at this price. For a treat, spend an additional $10 on New Riff Bottled-in-Bond. In fact, that's my top suggestion. If New Riff remains priced at $45 in your area, that's the one to get.

The aroma is sharp and medicinal, featuring tart apple and vanilla. It instantly brings to mind younger rye whiskey. The palate is average, with notes of honey, vanilla, caramel, more green apple, and oak, leading to a moderately tart fruit finish. Solid comparisons at this price include Wild T 101, Wheel Horse 101, and the well-regarded Rittenhouse BiB.

An amazing rye. It has all the spice but barely any of the burn. The liquid feels like it coats my mouth. The flavor arrives on the palate and stays consistent all the way down, leaving a subtly sweet finish. It's all good. Tried this at a friend's place, but it's definitely going on my shopping list.

Nose: rye, grass, tart apples Palate: caramel, wood, hay Finish: Kentucky warmth - comforting, baking spices, fruity While not the most intense rye available, it is enjoyable. I believe it offers more flavor than its closest competitor, Wild Turkey 101 Rye.

This earned a four-star rating not because it's exceptional, but due to its consistent quality and accessibility in terms of both cost and availability. If forced to select only fifteen bottles for my collection, this would be among them.

Nose leaves. I guess that's the rye. Not overwhelming. Palate: Actually really smooth for a young rye. Finish: Much spicier than the palate. Just kind of lingers. Not lovely enough to really enjoy