O.K.I. 6 Year Single Barrel Straight Rye

A Liquor City Uncorked selection, "Gallenstein Selection." Made by MGP from 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Barrel No. 29. Aged for 6 years. It has 61.3% alcohol by volume, equivalent to 122.6 proof. Opened 2 months ago. Nose: Clove, star anise, mild black peppercorn, toasted rye bread, toffee, leather, and a moderate amount of ethanol. Palate: A mix of peppercorns, clove, allspice, toast, maple syrup, light dill, and juniper berry. The finish is lengthy and oily with dry oak, tobacco smoke, black pepper, clove, and a sharper ethanol burn. Six-year-old MGP ryes are usually good value, and this is no exception. If a lesser-known producer has sourced bourbon and rye of similar age, I would always choose the rye. There are certainly less expensive choices available, but this holds up well against a recent purchase, The Senator. Either option is fine, but I'm starting to see more O.K.I. Rye selections in my area, while The Senator is harder to locate.

This rye is certainly unique. They refer to it as a Kentucky Hug for a justifiable reason. Imagine something substantial, warming, and a bit painful. Given the proof is near 120, you will definitely experience its potency!! However, I'm surprised by how the flavor remains robust and prominent despite the high proof. I detect spices such as clove, which almost brings to mind a Djarum Black Clove Cigar. A companion mentioned bananas, which I rarely notice. The oak is quite assertive. Maturing in the barrel for 6 years clearly shows the influence of the wood.