Masterson's Straight Barley Whiskey 10 Year

Smell: dried banana chips, grassy, mint, rye. Taste: a strong rye character transitions into more grainy bread, with just enough sweetness to keep it interesting. Plenty of grassy notes. Small sips and generous aeration highlight the flavors but didn't reveal much more. Finish: long, sweet, with more rye and light mint, and a subtle caramel in the background. It's not overpowering but better than anticipated. It's distinctive, excellent for showcasing the grassy, herbal qualities of rye.

Spicy and full-bodied with a hint of caramel on the tongue. Quite smooth for a 92 proof. It was served from a wooden barrel where I made my purchase, so that might have softened it somewhat.

This certainly warrants a higher score than the measly 85 points given by the previous reviewer. Even so, a different straight rye expression from Masterson's surpasses this lovely single grain bottling.

This is more like a standard whisky compared to the wheat version. The nose has an interesting licorice root note. The taste is strong and somewhat herbal.

Vanilla is present on the aroma. It has an earthy quality that's pleasant. It also reminds me of moss, specifically moss-covered ground. It's smooth too.

Very interesting. Earthy, with notes that bring to mind the aftermath of a humid summer storm.