McKenzie Rye

An overwhelming caramel aroma, like brown sugar mixed with apple or perhaps peach notes. It must be the sherry influence. You could always identify this one in a lineup of four. The flavor mirrors the aroma, with caramel apples dominating, and the lower alcohol content makes it smooth to drink. It doesn't resemble a typical rye profile at all. While I don't dislike it as a sweet finish, don't expect a standard rye taste.

I received this as a gift in 2012 and still have some left. This particular batch was so harsh it was difficult to drink, even with ice. It's unfortunate because the aroma was promising, with notes of raisins and even fruitcake, but these flavors were overwhelmed by the intense burn. It is, however, good for cooking.

The smell is the highlight. Pure butterscotch. The finish needs more spice. It's good, but could benefit from more aging.

A pleasant floral rye with a strong dark chocolate presence at the end. It's neither bad nor exceptional.

Abundant fruit notes. It has less intensity than expected for a young rye, with a brief conclusion.

It's quite sweet for a rye, with a touch of spice in the chest on the finish.