Four Gate Ruby Rye Springs (Batch 11)

Another interesting addition to the platform. This involves 7-year-old MGP rye casks that were finished for 45 days in Ruby Port barrels. These were active barrels, so don't let the short finishing time mislead you; it doesn't come across as a low-effort product, and that's what counts. Nose - Slightly vegetal and medicinal with deep fruity notes in the background and a strong spicy character. There's bubble gum and more rye sweetness, but an unmistakable ethanol note persists, reminding you that while 7-year-old rye might taste good, it's not yet refined. I'm not usually a big fan of how rye smells, and while this is no exception, it's more aromatic than most. Adding water brings out more vanilla and starts to evoke caramel notes reminiscent of bourbon. The spices mellow, and the ruby port influence becomes less muddled. Taste - The flavor is dominated by bold rye characteristics with a mix of star anise, pepper, strong alcohol, vanilla, custard, that signature MGP rye fruit note, and then the port casks amplify the sweet MGP rye notes significantly. Similar to the nose, water reduces the spice slightly, though a nice kick remains on the finish, offering a smoother experience. I'd recommend using very little water, if any, unless you enjoy a strong rye punch. Overall, a very nice whiskey. I'd rate it 84-85, which translates to about a 2.5 on this site. If you're a fan of MGP rye and enjoy finishing techniques, you'll likely be pleased, but you might want to find it for $25-50 less than the MSRP.

SMELL: Vibrant rye spice, oak, grape-like sweetness, dried dark fruit, char, a touch of soap, and slight anise and herbal notes. Not an extremely complex aroma, but it is heavy and brooding in a way that offers a nice perspective on a traditional rye. TASTE: Heavy rye spice, grape-like sweetness, oak, raspberry syrup, toffee, and some herbal notes. Reminds me of a juicy IPA with the combination of dry spice, slight herbal notes, and juicy fruity sweetness. AFTERTASTE: Long -> Rye spice, oak, juicy sweetness fade out to a tannic dryness that somehow works... Four Gate Ruby Rye, you're odd, and I like that.

Nose - rye spice and caramel notes, reminiscent of a high rye bourbon with abundant vanilla, some grape, brown sugar, and a touch of citrus. Palate - spice forward, quite viscous, sharp rye spice and hot cinnamon, followed by rich caramel after the spice. Finish - enduring citrus and rye spice, a prolonged hot burn.

Not as intense or as flavorful as the descriptions suggested. I anticipated considerably more vanilla and caramel. I much prefer the Angels Rye.