Journeyman Distillery Federalist 12th Organic Rye

While exploring a different type of whiskey, I obtained a bottle of Not a King Organic Rye Whiskey from Journeyman Distillery. This particular bottle reportedly uses a traditional rye recipe popular during George Washington's time. I believe this is released annually in February around Presidents' Day. It pours a pleasing orange hue. The aroma from the glass is a young blend of rye bread, spices, and fruit. The palate is intensely sweet with maraschino cherries and medicine, followed by a lingering pepperiness. While it offers decent rye spice and warmth, it lacks memorable characteristics. I'd rank it as average, though my experience with rye is limited. My expectations were higher. This whiskey's score of 91 from a certain publication seems overly generous; I would rate it in the low 80s. It's worth trying but likely not worth purchasing a full bottle. Journeyman deserves credit for using quality ingredients and is a leading craft distillery known for its organic spirits. While I want to continue supporting them, spending $45-$50 on a decidedly average product is difficult when comparable or better quality bottles like High West Double Rye, and many others I haven't sampled, are available for $10-$20 less. A difficult decision. Cheers Batch: 3 Bottle: 2327

Acquired this at the distillery. The staff and premises at Journeyman were excellent. Sampled neat from a glencairn glass. It has an orangey amber pour with spice wafting from it. The scent is like hot pumpkin spice. Leather notes appear as pepper dances on your palate. A comforting warmth lingers in the finish. A pleasant spicy drink. It leaves slow-moving legs. Batch: 4 Bottle: 4225

Oak, honey, and banana aroma. Taste begins with sweet and spicy intensity, banana undertones with some baking spice hints. An oily/chemical sensation is present but not unpleasant. A long, sweet, woody finish with hints of banana.

Sweet aroma, caramel, slightly nutty, reminiscent of a bourbon; has a faint "red hots" candy flavor, sweet taste, a little molasses.

The nose is characterized by caramel and spice. An excellent rye flavor, or spice, with black pepper. The finish is smooth; it's my favorite among the Journeyman spirits.

Now called "not a king," this has become a regular offering alongside other journeyman items (not limited). This entire page requires updating.