New York Distilling Co. Straight Rye Finished in Apple Brandy Cask 2020 Single Cask #3 (Lost Lantern)

After sampling the pour that a friend kindly provided, I took a sniff and was hit by a powerful wave of alcohol that overwhelmed any other aromas. After adding several drops of water and letting it rest for about 15 minutes, and approaching the glass cautiously, the intense alcohol subsided, allowing the flavors to emerge. The aroma initially presents a strong rye character with caramel apple, which then transitions to a baked apple pie, stewed plums, cherries jubilee, candied ginger, nutmeg, and fresh pumpernickel bread, accompanied by a strong ethanol presence. The taste has a medium body, starting with a bold rye spice that fades into vanilla ice cream topping a baked apple pie, plum pudding, and cherries jubilee, before a moderately drying spice appears, transitioning to candied ginger, nutmeg, and fresh pumpernickel bread with a potent ethanol burn. The finish is of medium length, featuring apple cider, plums, cinnamon graham cracker, and a drying rye spice. Overall, this is a satisfying drink with prominent rye and apple notes, but its youthful character and high spice level in the taste and finish disrupt the balance and overall experience. I'm curious to see its potential if aged for a few more years, which could resolve these youthful imperfections and harmonize the spicy elements, making it a truly exceptional rye. However, I'll have to wait to see if the distillery or another bottler releases something from older stock later on.

Aroma: baked apple, clove, allspice, mint, nutmeg, caramel, vanilla frosting, cherry, cranberry, plum, yeast, apple pie, black pepper, ginger, strong alcohol vapors. Taste: salted caramel, creamy vanilla, baked tart apple, cinnamon, allspice, clove, nutmeg, cocoa, black cherry, ginger, chili pepper, black pepper, spearmint, barrel spice, high alcohol intensity, with a medium-long finish of baked apple, sharp pepper, mint, and baking spice flavors. Wow, this is quite potent. The apple brandy finish is noticeable in both the aroma and taste, but it's not overwhelming, presenting more of a spiced apple pie character. This spirit is identifiable as a rye on the nose, but it's unmistakable on the palate. There's mint, rye and baking spices, along with strong pepper notes to navigate. It's definitely not for the easily overwhelmed. Similar to another bottling, the proof hits very hard. After taking the initial notes, I added a teaspoon of water to observe the effect. The heat definitely decreased, and more caramel and apple notes became apparent. In fact, there's a hint of a childhood cereal reminiscent of Apple Jacks emerging. Overall, this is very good, but not outstanding. The youthfulness is quite evident in a way that detracts from the experience and makes me curious about its potential with more time in the barrel. Many thanks to a friend for the tasting. I will likely not encounter another apple brandy finished rye in my future reviews.

Having just received my first COVID-19 vaccine dose, I wanted to properly commemorate the potential of finally seeing an end to this situation. I'm hopeful that by this time next year, things will return to normal (perhaps with annual COVID booster shots, similar to the flu vaccine). I chose this pour, which was kindly provided by a friend. Lost Lantern is a New England brand that bottles whiskey from less well-known distilleries. Given that I received a Moderna vaccine, a pharmaceutical company that wasn't widely recognized before recently (unlike Pfizer, J&J, Merck, Sanofi, etc.), I thought a pour from Lost Lantern would be fitting. This is finished in apple brandy, but I'm not detecting much of a fall apple aroma; it seems to be a subtle influence. Instead, aromas of baked goods are more prominent. The taste of the rye is mild, not aggressively pronounced like Michter's or Barrell. It's subtle. I wouldn't recommend this in a cocktail, as it would be easily overpowered. However, the nuanced rye and baked bread flavor is pleasant on its own, served neat without ice or water. Finally, towards the finish, I detect green apples! I've had apple brandy finishes before, but the apples typically appear on the nose or taste, not the finish. It leaves you with the sensation of biting into a Granny Smith. Well executed and distinctive. Thanks to a friend for the pour!