FEW Immortal Rye

A good choice for its cost. This distinctive rye presented a bit of a challenge. Typically, dill, vanilla, candied orange, snickerdoodle, and mint leaves are prominent in rye, but they're less so here. Nose: Reminiscent of freshly cut flowers, particularly distinct lilac, green peppercorns, and a hint of oriental tea, much like the aroma from a pot at a Chinese restaurant. This, in a hot toddy, could be the answer to the common cold! Palate: Black pepper and coriander are at the forefront. I definitely get floral notes, especially hibiscus. This is followed by some oak, and it concludes with a subtle hint of that old-fashioned black licorice found in a paper bag. Finish: Longer than anticipated, with the spicier pepper notes lingering perhaps a bit too long before fading into candied ginger at the end. There's a very pleasing tanginess that I can best describe. This offering exceeds expectations and is very well-crafted. At $39.99, it's a bargain that demonstrates what can be achieved with rye whiskey through experimentation beyond just barrel finishing. I'm very eager to try this in an Old Fashioned cocktail, as I believe it would be a hit with some Angostura bitters. It has somewhat restored my confidence in local Illinois distillers and makes me want to visit again when I'm in Evanston. While I find FEW's bourbon a bit too young and reminiscent of "cornflakes and watery milk," this might be where their true strength lies. I enjoyed this one.

A truly excellent rye, I'm very impressed. The palate is highly accessible, neither overpowering nor excessively harsh. On the nose, the influence of Eight Immortals tea is immediately noticeable, harmoniously layered over a familiar baking spice aroma, adding a certain depth. The palate starts off smooth and light, which I described as "fluffy." This quickly gives way to a subtle tea note that wonderfully complements the rye, introducing darker tones without the bitterness that can sometimes accompany them. It then transitions to the familiar cinnamon flavor, with the whisky's warmth becoming apparent at this stage and persisting through the moderately long finish. While this whiskey might not be extraordinarily complex, the incorporation of tea has created a delightful and distinctive experience atop a rye that is far too easy to drink. I would certainly use this to introduce people to the potential of rye whiskey.

During a semi-blind tasting, two bottles were chosen for me from my collection, likely because both had a very dark color (one from this distillery and a single barrel from another). While similar in color, I quickly categorized this comparison as a world whisky rye. The aroma is pleasing and inviting, with botanical, eucalyptus notes that initially made me think of gin. Knowing I didn't have gin, I poured a Millstone 100 Rye. The aroma of this spirit has sweetness and an eucalyptus, pine influence mellowed by tea. When compared side-by-side, the similarities between the two are evident. The finish is of medium length and spice, with that lingering taste that tea leaves behind. Is it good? Yes. It's not a typical rye; it definitely has a more botanical profile. The tea influence is intriguing. If you own and appreciate a bottle of Millstone 100, this one is worth considering.

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual American Whiskey Tasting, July 3rd, 2021). Nose: Baked biscuits, caramel, orange, citrus, floral. Palate: Bitter tea, sharp, very sweet, caramel, vanilla, spices, white flour. Finish: Medium length finish. Menthol, earthy, butter, children's banana-flavored candy. A drying sensation on the aftertaste. 20% Corn 70% Rye 10% Barley Diluted with Oolong tea to bottling strength. There's an unusual bitterness throughout this dram, which is slightly off-putting to my palate. Floral and buttery, with a subtle fruit sweetness as an undertone. A different interpretation of a standard rye with the floral notes. Generally acceptable. It ranked fourth out of the six drams tasted, receiving 8% (1 vote) of the final selection for favorite of the evening. 85% (11 votes) of those present indicated they enjoyed the whiskey.

NOSE 2.25 Cedar, tobacco, a hint of pepper and orange. PALATE 2.25 Tobacco is present with honey, cinnamon, and peaches. FINISH 2.25 Short and drying. Tea emerges on the finish with dry cedar and a slight cracked black pepper. VALUE/THOUGHTS 4 A truly unique product that is readily available and reasonably priced. If other producers offered this, it would be highly sought after and very expensive.

Incredibly smooth! Diluting it with tea is a truly novel approach. The oolong flavor melds wonderfully with the spirit.