Mayor Pingree 5 Year Orange Label Single Barrel Rye

I've always enjoyed Valentine Vodka, but I was somewhat hesitant about their whiskey and rye offerings. As it turns out, the Mayor is a rather fine dram. This particular bottle is a 5-year-old barrel-proof release, and I was eager to acquire one. These were single barrels, so each will have unique characteristics. The nose on this is quite appealing. It leans more towards the sweetness typically found in bourbon rather than a traditional rye. The initial taste is potent. The proof is certainly evident, but it delivers a magnificent wave of flavors. Abundant notes of heavy caramel are present alongside the characteristic spice of rye. The finish provides a rush of heat that lingers noticeably. Overall, this small distillery in Michigan continues to produce some excellent bottles. Don't let the fact that it's a Michigan-made bottle deter you; these certainly stand their ground.

A store selection, single barrel. Quite distinctive. The aroma is full of pine and sap. It was surprising, but I genuinely liked smelling this. The mouthfeel is very substantial. Sweetness is prominent initially, then the pine emerges, along with another subtle note I can't quite identify. Overall, the palate is good. Pepper is the dominant element in the long finish. It lingers pleasantly in the mouth. I enjoy this, but I'll need to revisit it in a few weeks.

Nose smells like Wurthers Original candy and peanut brittle, with no real baking spice or rye spice detected. A very sweet nose for a rye. The taste is hot. It has candied apple, bitter walnut, a little lemon peel, and a slightly chalky mouthfeel. Retronasally, I get some clove. The palate is tingly from the proof. The aftertaste is sweet like corn syrup with a bit of citrus.