Grand Traverse Ole George Single Barrel Straight Rye

Barrel 190, 6.5 years old, 137.6 proof. Nose: No alcohol detected but significant spice. Palate: Rich flavor with a full body, featuring undertones of allspice and caramel. Finish: A long caramel finish with a noticeable but manageable high-proof burn. After two more tastings, I've found the caramel leans more towards spicy cinnamon, with fruity notes on the finish.

Barrel 567, 3.5 years old, 129.5 proof Nose: Lighter than the 190 proof version and more pleasant. A full mixture of spice. Palate: Very earthy and dry (tannic) on the tongue, along with what I'm told are flavors of the malted grain. Finish: Dry with more of the malted grain. After two more tastings, I find the earthiness remains consistent.

Quite hot due to the high proof. A good, authentic straight rye experience.

It had an earthy, dirt-like flavor. I enjoyed it at the distillery but disliked it at home.

That's the rye experience. Intense and zesty.