Journeyman Distillery Last Feather Organic Rye

Taste: Sampled 2.0 oz neat in a bourbon snifter. Nose (Score: 1.5): Reminiscent of rye bread dipped in turpentine, with hints of chocolate and butterscotch. Not particularly appealing. Taste (Score: 2.5): The presence of rye seeds and Heath bar was overshadowed by a solvent-like base, which was off-putting. It's akin to a Heath bar doused in gasoline – you want the candy, not the fuel! Finish (Score: 2.5): Continued notes of chocolate and a solvent-like character, ending with a hint of dill pickle. Fortunately, the finish was short. Overall: I'm glad I paid for a sample ($7.50) rather than buying a bottle. It wasn't to my liking.

No spirit has ever smelled more like a yard that was just mowed and had recently experienced rain. It even carries a deeper scent reminiscent of damp soil, which I enjoy, and I mean that literally, as always. The first taste isn't as intense as I anticipated (though I'm unsure why I expected that), but the rye character is very apparent and prominent. The ever-popular sweetness does emerge over time, but it takes a while and definitely doesn't feel like a "bourbon." It's a bit disappointing and would benefit from more aging, as is common with most ryes.

The aroma presents baking spices, cereal, vanilla, and caramel. On the palate, these are present along with some honey. Banana bread notes are also detected. The finish is smooth but lacks complexity. It doesn't deliver as much rye spice as desired. It's a good drink for sipping, straightforward at best and uninspiring at worst.

Wow! I've had this bottle for a few months, enjoying other drinks instead. That was a major error! The initial pour revealed only banana nut bread. The second serving was a vanilla overload with very little of the spice expected from a spirit with 60% rye. If you see this available, get it!

Mash bill: 60% Rye, 40% wheat. It offers a fruity aroma, reminiscent of ripe banana, with a subtle peppery spice underneath, complemented by well-integrated warm baking spices. This rye achieves a great balance with toffee and caramel sweetness. It's easy to drink. Best enjoyed neat. Notes of eggnog, spice, and caramel. Smooth.

A bright, sweet rye with notes of vanilla, caramel, and mild baking spice. Hints of banana and pepper provide warmth without overwhelming the smooth body. Excellent for sipping or mixing, it's approachable yet distinct—an inviting craft rye that's easy to enjoy.