George Dickel Rye

I'm aware this score is high. This is not an overly complex, high-proof rye with a finish that will overwhelm your palate. However, considering its $23 price tag and widespread availability, at 90 proof, it is genuinely outstanding. Really. Can you identify any other Rye Whiskey within this price and specification range that even comes close to its quality? Within its proof category, I favor Redwood Empire Emerald Giant, but that costs approximately double. In terms of price, it offers more character than Elijah Craig Rye and Jack Daniel's Rye, in my opinion. Ezra Brooks 99 Rye might surpass it. I believe I will compare them blind this evening. However, it also has a 10-proof advantage. Honestly, I believe it's very good considering its limitations in price and proof. Will it revolutionize your perspective? Unlikely. Is it worth purchasing? I certainly think so.

Nose: Less intense than expected given the high rye content. Toasted marshmallow, vanilla, charred barrel, dill, mint, and a touch of peach create an appealing introduction. Palate: Sweet marshmallow flavor, cracked white pepper, more mint and dill alongside clove, and a pleasant oakiness. Finish: Quite short, but featured a nice complexity of toasted marshmallow, pepper, mint, and dried peaches. Summary: This bottle demonstrates that chill filtering doesn't automatically make a whiskey inferior. It simply alters the flavor profile. The MGP 95/5 Rye is typically very potent and spicy. The filtering softens that, revealing some subtleties not present without it. An excellent everyday rye. Great value. Get a bottle.

Color: Gold / Amber Nose: Vanilla | Slightly Floral | Herbal Mild for a rye, especially after recently reviewing the Willet 4 year rye. A very pleasant but subdued nose. Palate: Light mouthfeel. Similar to the nose, the palate seems somewhat subdued. The typical rye spice is present but not overwhelming. Hints of vanilla remain, but you have to search for them. Finish: Short finish. Almost no heat. Incredibly easy to drink without being overwhelmed by spice. Not much else stands out.

Glass: Glencairn, rested for 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Stone fruit and herbs, with some minty notes. Palate: More herbal and minty character, lacking the fruity notes detected on the nose. Finish: Medium in length with very little heat. With Water: The minty notes become much more prominent. Overall: 8/10 - While I'm not a huge fan of rye, this was a welcome change from bourbon. It's MGP 95/5, but the mint notes are really enjoyable without being overwhelming. For a budget-friendly rye, this was impressive.

I enjoy MGP rye, period. This expression is, as anticipated, very similar to Bulleit and Ezra Brooks, being essentially the same spirit but aged a bit longer. It has a wonderfully fruity, easy-to-approach flavor profile that prioritizes sweetness over spice. Quite pleasant overall, though perhaps lacking the complexity and impact of the very best in its category. Considering the price, this is a very good rye, although a higher proof would be beneficial.

Excellent! Not a typical high-spice rye. Aged for 5 years. I doubt you will find other spirits aged this long for this price. Nice balance of spices, sweetness, and herbal notes. The chill filtration with sugar maple charcoal makes this completely distinct from others. Sip it neat; it's great. Add an ice cube; the flavor changes slightly, still great. Add a little water; also great. Try this one!