FEW Straight Rye

This was the third sample from a kit and it was the most impressive. I truly enjoy Rye whiskies and have been fortunate with some excellent local 100% Rye options. I also appreciate some of the MGP Rye whiskies that contain 95% Rye. Often, the minimum 51% Rye required for it to be labeled as “Rye” whiskey doesn't meet my expectations. Sometimes the label accurately indicates what I'm getting, but most of the time it doesn't. I gradually became more particular about Rye whiskies, and my Rye purchases became increasingly limited. I had always been curious about FEW and had read many positive reviews, but I couldn't justify the $60+ price tag on something I couldn't sample... until now. Moving on to the FEW Rye Review. The aroma is bold and full of green fresh dill rye spice. A massive burst of fresh dill rye spice. Caramel, Citrus Peel and Grass. The taste is surprisingly mellow – caramel, corn sweetness, and vanilla at first, followed by a nice blast of fresh earthy dill/rye spice. Plenty of good flavor and spice. The finish is long with some pleasant dusty fading dill spice and vanilla to conclude. This is a genuinely nice whisky and justifies its cost. Even at over $60, it's worth picking up if you're a Rye fan. Overall Score: A

A well-rounded Rye Whiskey from FEW Spirits Distillery in Evanston, Illinois, established by Paul Hletko. It is crafted with 70% Rye, 20% corn & malted Barley, fermented using wine yeast from the Loire Valley, and aged in air-dried oak barrels. It presents an aromatic beginning with notes of rye, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, wood, hints of butterscotch, citrus zest & pepper; while a rich middle adds notes of buttery rye, raw grains, fruits, honey, citrus, baking spices & a touch of wood; leading to a long & balanced conclusion with notes of pepper. April / September 2019 / April 2020 / November 2021 / August 2022

A sample from Flaviar. My first experience with rye, so this might evolve. The aroma suggests wood or possibly rye, perhaps citrus. The taste is smooth and warm, with caramel, and likely rye-forward. The finish definitely leans more into rye with a mild spice and burn. Some citrus notes are present in the background. It's average overall; I'm not sure where it stands in the rye category, but I'd be open to trying more ryes.

This was quite different. Sweet caramel on the nose, but on the palate the oak hits hard and lingers with a mild burn. Possibly some caramel/brown sugar and baking spices. Definitely not as sweet as most I've had recently. More herbal with a dry finish. Interesting enough that I might purchase a bottle for variety. Received this as a sample through Flaviar.

In a Glencairn glass, after resting for 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Smell: Cinnamon and honey Taste: An intriguing mix of spicy and sweet, echoing the aroma. Aftertaste: Long with moderate heat. With a splash: A hint of nutty flavor appears. Overall 7.5/10 - A pleasant fusion of sweet and spicy. Eager to try it in a manhattan.

NOSE 3.0 Caramel, orange zest, butterscotch, woody but not oaky. Slight pepper PALATE 2.5 Pepper, orange, caramel, hint of green apple with cinnamon on top FINISH 3 Long, oily Orange citrus, black pepper, apple VALUE 3.5 Reminds me of Willett rye. But at about half the cost.