Hudson Manhattan Rye (Discontinued)

I've noticed these bottles frequently in shops, but the price relative to the amount of bourbon always discourages me from purchasing. I had the chance to try a sample for $10 at a nearby bar. I had it neat in a Glencairn glass. The aroma was full of spice with some floral undertones. It actually built anticipation for my tasting, as I could detect mint, cinnamon, and the rye spiciness I'd anticipate. The palate is where my experience shifted. I encountered an unusual flavor reminiscent of cigar smoke and oak. It was quite intriguing, as I didn't get any of the spice I was expecting. It was almost like I had just lit a cigar. While I enjoy cigars, I don't necessarily want to drink them. The finish was brief, with a slightly strong bite, and wasn't memorable or particularly pleasant. I'd rather just appreciate the smell of this than drink it. Overall, I would not order this again or purchase a bottle. I've had numerous better ryes than this.

This was the single barrel bottling, which I didn't see noted on the site. Regardless, it's an interesting spirit. It possesses a distinct flavor profile compared to other ryes I've sampled previously. Honey and maple on the nose. Brown sugar and iced tea on the palate. The finish isn't particularly memorable. Overall, it's adequate. Three stars, and that might even be a bit generous. It's not objectively bad, just not to my taste. It's still superior to their bourbon, which I found quite disappointing. At this point, I think I'll avoid Hudson products in the future.

Color: Deep honey Scent: Potent cereal, a faint note of honey and cooked fruit Mouthfeel and taste: The taste is dominated by stone-ground rye. It feels slightly heavy on the tongue but not greasy. This is indicated by the good 'legs' on the glass. Finish: Travels up the back of the nose with a toasty sensation down the throat and into the chest. A lasting tingle on the lips. Fruitiness appears later.

Tasted semi-blind. The strong cereal grain smell and spicy taste confused me when I completely forgot I had a rye bottle nearby. I mistook it for sherry-aged wood and brined smoke, leading me all over the Scotch spectrum. (Still refining my whiskey tasting skills! That's why I do so many semi-blind tastings.)

Rich flavor, as if you can perceive every component. The rye (and perhaps clove? mint?) spices are prominent. Intense, bold, raw spices. An interesting spirit to sip; a couple of drinks are quite sufficient. Likely excellent in a cocktail requiring rye (I may never find out as it's not my bottle).

Wonderful. Nose - mint, baking spices & Oak Palate - silky texture & rich tastes of toffee, baking spice & Barrel spice but also faint notes of pepper & clove. Finish - Medium & pleasing