Giant Single Barrel Straight Rye 100 Proof

A bold Rye Whiskey from Gulf Coast Distillers, developed with guidance from David Pickerell in Houston, Texas; a blend of Elbon & Brassetto Rye; crafted in pot stills & matured in American oak barrels with a #4 char. It begins with an aromatic bouquet of fruits, grain, nuts, wood & spice; its bold character adds notes of apricot, honey, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon & allspice; culminating in a long & spicy conclusion with notes of rye, pepper, oak, almonds, tobacco & leather.

Giant Straight Rye Whiskey presents intriguing scents of toffee, dark chocolate, dark rye bread, and oak. It enters the mouth with a velvety feel, offering notes of dried apricot and leather. The finish echoes sourdough rye, leather, and dried apricot. Leather and dried apricots are the most prominent. It's not enjoyable neat or in a cocktail.

Sweet, peppery aroma with some vegetal notes Caramel, dark sugar, a pronounced vegetal note that I appreciate in many Texas whiskies. Finish: hot, more of that Texas vegetal character Overall, an excellent Texas Rye for the cost. Lighter in color and flavor intensity compared to Balcones Rye but with a similar profile.

This Rye has pleasing flavors. Hints of fruit, caramel, and a little vanilla. I'm satisfied with this one.

Caramel, subtle spice, vanilla

Hard pass.