Oak & Eden Rye & Spire - Charred Oak

Given my recent trend of high ratings, it's time to review something less impressive as I continue exploring the Oak and Eden line. This is my second time tasting this particular Total Wine Store Pick, bottled at 116 proof. Nose: The "charred oak" is prominent, almost overpowering other scents. Fortunately, I enjoy smoky/char aromas and flavors; I detected smoke, charcoal, barbecue burnt ends, and a hint of rye spice and pepper. The aroma is robust with minimal ethanol, which is a positive. Palate: Similar to the nose, charred flavors dominate. I tasted burnt sugars reminiscent of a crème brûlée's topping (without the custard), ash, smoke, and bitter, scorched oak. This whiskey lacks smoothness or refinement; it's like a harsh blow. Finish: The experience quickly deteriorates. Hints of mint and eucalyptus are followed by, predictably, more char. The mint has a medicinal quality, like toothpaste. It's quite lengthy, but one wishes it were shorter. There's a prickly heat. The mouthfeel is coarse, like rough sandpaper, and extremely dry. I imagine this is the type of whiskey Clint Eastwood would carry in a Spaghetti Western; potent, rough, and sharp. I might be rating this too highly, but as I mentioned, I do enjoy charred, smoky flavors. It's akin to a Balcones but lacks the brown sugar sweetness and full, oily mouthfeel, making it significantly inferior. It's surprisingly worse than the 90 proof version that isn't a store pick. At $55, it's a major disappointment, and while I didn't detest it, I suspect most would.

Continuing my journey through the Oak & Eden range, and the question of whether the spire is just a gimmick persists. On the nose, there's a subtle herbaceousness/mint, joined by hints of lemongrass and ginger snap. I should also point out the very dark color for a young rye, estimated to be around two years old. The palate delivers more caramel and vanilla than anticipated. Perhaps a touch of oak just before the finish, but truthfully, I find it hard to discern much else from the palate overall. Strange. The finish is quite pleasing, featuring notes of fruitcake, chocolate mint, mild rye spice, oak, and a char reminiscent of grilled meat rather than a barrel interior. I've genuinely never encountered a whiskey with such an uninspired palate but a fascinating finish. One negative is its brief duration. The mouthfeel possesses a pleasant silkiness. The body leans towards the lighter side of medium. In summary, I found this somewhat enjoyable, though it's quite unusual. It certainly doesn't resemble a typical Kentucky rye or a 95/5 Indiana rye. For $50 at 90 proof, its worth is merely "decent." I don't plan on purchasing another, but I'm beginning to think the spire concept might have some scientific basis, as it undeniably adds a distinctive quality.

Pleasing aroma of chocolate cherry and salted caramel, with fruitiness and complexity. The flavor is quite different. It tastes of charred wood and dark malt. Initially, it brought to mind drinking a stout with a heavy mouthfeel. Makes a fantastic old fashioned when combined with Fee Brothers orange bitters.

First impression: Pleasant vanilla at the start, a hint of leather, with the typical rye peppery finish. Second impression, three days later: The wood spire has altered the whiskey slightly. The nose now has more leather and spice, while the palate offers more vanilla and caramel throughout.

This is the second O&E expression. It's not a terrible pour, just not very robust. The rye provides a minty/herbal scent that comes through, but it's subdued. The texture on the palate is also somewhat delicate. This is a decent spirit if someone gives it to you or offers it, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it.

Not my preference when sipped straight. Quite good in a Manhattan. Exceptionally pleasing in a Boulevardier. Combine.75 Campari,.75 good sweet vermouth, 1.25 Rye & Spire, and an orange peel.