Luca Mariano Small Batch Rye

It's always a special feeling to be the first to review a spirit. This new distillery, founded by someone from Michigan with a passion for whiskey, offers a mellow nose reminiscent of freshly baked rye bread. The initial sip reveals it's not a typical rye, with hints of honey and almond usually found in straight bourbon. A subtle pepper finish follows with a mild burn. It's quite good, though distinct from other ryes available.

A touch sweeter than most ryes, with a robust spice profile. Quite enjoyable and an excellent way to introduce friends to rye if they favor sweeter bourbons. Nose: honey, rye spice, almonds, fresh grass, and hints of butterscotch Taste: initial honey sweetness followed by a generous amount of rye spices and herbal notes Finish: floral and spicy notes linger pleasantly, with a notable burn going down

Everything you'd want in a rye. Subtle sweetness, notes of hay and grass, but intense heat due to the alcohol content. The standard rye bottling is smoother with less alcohol.

Remarkably smooth for 103 proof. Pleasant oak on the nose, gentle on the palate, with mellow rye notes. I'll try this a few more times.

The palate is light and easy to drink. It has vanilla notes and a smooth finish; it's not complex.