Grand Traverse Ole George 100% Straight Rye

While looking after a neighbor's dog, I was surprised with a half bottle of Ole George from a craft distillery in Michigan. This is a 100% rye whiskey, with a mash bill of 95% unmalted and 5% malted rye. I estimate the age to be around 4-5 years, bottled at 46.5% ABV, non-chill filtered, and with natural color. The nose offers abundant herbal and spicy rye notes, complemented by vanilla and mint. Oak is present, but sandalwood is the dominant wood aroma. Nutmeg and a hint of clove are noticeable. Caramel corn, pecans, and dark chocolate emerge, followed by increasing sweetness with caramel, toffee, and a subtle bubblegum note. Underlying fruitiness in the form of cherries, pears, and strawberries balances the spicy-sweet profile. Vanilla pudding, overcooked buttery rolls, and barrel char are also detected. A faint dill note is present, which is welcome as strong dill can be off-putting. The palate begins sweet, then shifts to a spicy, rye-forward profile with vanilla and sandalwood notes. An earthy quality, like rich soil, is quite distinct and initially unusual, but grew on me. Peanuts, walnuts, and a peppery character are present, along with pine and oak, reinforcing the sandalwood. More rye and peanuts appear, with light mint and dill. Orange oil and pipe tobacco conclude the taste. It has a medium body, slightly oily and dry. The finish is long, featuring rye, peanuts, vanilla, and an earthy dryness. Initially, I was uncertain about this whiskey due to its dominant rye character, which I don't usually favor. However, as I worked through the bottle, I grew to appreciate its strong personality and sweeter undertones. While I don't know the price, craft distillations are often expensive. Despite the potential cost, I recommend this unique rye to enthusiasts. It earns a solid rating. Cheers.

[11.23.15] Another great find at the tasting house. This was the fourth Grand Traverse I sampled that morning (yes, 10 am on a Monday is perfectly acceptable), so my assessment might be influenced. The representative mentioned this is their most popular product, but I personally preferred the double barrel version. This possesses all the sweet, white dog rye characteristics of the OYO variety, but the barrel has muted the spice. You wouldn't guess this was rye if you couldn't recall that sharp sweetness lurking within a robust rye blend. Similar to their other products, the oak eventually makes its presence known, but it lingers in the background alongside the pepper. As others have noted, this is a fine rye for sipping.

The nose is somewhat sharp with undertones of vanilla sweetness. The palate doesn't offer much complexity, just hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The finish is medium-length with a mild bite, considering its 100 proof. A decent whiskey for daily enjoyment.

Aroma - grain, rye spice, a bit of lemon peel Taste - raw rye grain upfront, with some citrus and floral notes in the background Finish - spicy and dry, with light heat

It begins with herbaceous and mild peppery notes, finishing with a pleasant sweetness on the palate. Hints of rye and immature oak are present, yet it's remarkably smooth and enjoyable. A touch of warmth remains.

To me, the aroma and palate are strongly influenced by the barrel. It’s smooth going down, but the flavor fades quickly. It’s acceptable, all things considered.