Kentucky Owl 11 Year Rye (Batch #1)

Nose - (without water) Vanilla, dark butterscotch, herbal rye spice, dark caramel, light fruit, strawberry/cherry (with water) minimal change, but sweet mint emerges. Taste - (without water) Spicy sweet cinnamon, dark butterscotch, light herbal/sweet mint, strawberry fruity oak (with water) more vanilla, butterscotch, more sweet mint, herbal spice. Finish - (without water) Lingering cinnamon heat/tingle, sweet mint/herbal sweetness, light tannic oak, drying (with water) Lingering tannic fruity sweet mint, butterscotch. Score - 83/100 Final Thoughts - This was quite enjoyable. A nice combination of rye spice and dark caramel/butterscotch flavors. It benefits from a tiny bit of water, which doesn't significantly alter the flavors but softens the ethanol burn and nicely mellows the heat. It has many positive qualities as a rye, but the only drawback is its exceptionally long finish, which unfortunately is an almost excessively sweet mint flavor that verges on tasting like Splenda. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Not at the current prices. This bottle should cost at most between $70-80.

The initial impression is a high alcohol content. The flavor is unexpectedly subtle, highlighting the rich, natural rye taste with licorice and adequate sweetness. There's a hint of wood, but it's surprisingly minimal because the licorice masks it. The sweetness is somewhat like caramel. This drinks like a young rye combined with a bold gin. Its distinct character is evident, but I anticipate more complexity and depth from an aged spirit. The caramel is blended with some butterscotch, and there's plenty of vanilla. Maybe a hint of marzipan as well. The flavors present are well-executed, but they aren't necessarily the ones I desire in a rye. It's good, but it needs more complexity and a more robust presence. It shouldn't be priced at the premium level it's currently at.

Potent aroma of cherry cola, cinnamon, anise, birch, lots of toasted oak, citrus peel, brown sugar, toasted marshmallow, among other things. The complexity of the aroma is captivating; I almost didn't want to taste it, fearing the palate would be a disappointment... The palate is not a letdown. Cherries, sweet oak, toasted marshmallow, smoke and charcoal, some of those classic cola roots, spices, and extracts, coating the mouth but not overly rich, with a finish that lasts for minutes... This has to be ranked among my top 5 ryes due to the depth and expressiveness of the blend. I've heard later batches weren't as good, so I'm glad I managed to get this one when I did. If you can find it and it's not excessively expensive, I highly recommend it.

Dark copper in color with a rich, dark, fruity aroma and noticeable heat. You can even detect some aged wood in the aroma if you concentrate. Whatever it is, the smell seems to be preparing me for a delightful experience. Initial taste is sweet and hot with a pleasant, lingering burn. Plenty of wood character on the finish (I know... but the description is still accurate). My nose expected it to be a bit thicker and more viscous, but I have no complaints. Each sip improves as it sits. As anticipated, a few drops of water bring out fruity characteristics (particularly citrus notes at the back/top of my palate) and a smoother mouthfeel. Surprisingly, the enjoyable burn remains strong and consistent. 4.27.

Fortunate to obtain this older batch of rye. At 11 years, it's aged longer than most market ryes with an age statement, and its substantial proof preserves aromas and flavors not found elsewhere. The nose is pleasant, offering spices, oak, and butter with complexity. It's delicious, hitting every note with a fuller, richer, sweet, and spicy character. It ranks among the best ryes I've experienced, surpassing some premium releases. An ideal price would be around £100-£120.

Definitely not worth its typical $200 retail cost. I was fortunate to sample this at an event with many other quality bourbons. If tasted without prior knowledge, the mystique surrounding it wouldn't impress as much. It's certainly good, but its reputation is overstated.