Old Elk Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey

Whisky Mentors QS04 “Rye January” Aged 5 years, 121.5 proof, selected by Irene Tan Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Floral with fruity notes of apple, raisin, and peach. Palate: Clove, cinnamon, and baking spice. Finish: Long with medium heat. Splash: Just a few drops significantly reduce the spice intensity, suggesting that a slight reduction in proof might have been beneficial. Overall: 9/10 - I had the chance to sample this store selection before purchasing. I know it will evolve further now that it's been opened. This is already an excellent rye and will enhance any cocktail it's added to. My 9/10 rating might increase once it's had time to breathe.

A 119 proof selection for VA abc. Tastes like anise mixed with dirt. Strong anise and earthy flavors. I also detect leather, pumpernickel, and a mild candy corn sweetness. Not very enjoyable, might work better in a rye cocktail, I would not purchase it again.

A selection bottled at 114.7 proof. Nose: Quite muted, minimal ethanol, with mint, grass, cinnamon, vanilla, flat cola, and some leather. Palate: Sweet and thin, with rye spice, cinnamon, and sweet tarts. Finish: Hot and long, with oak, cinnamon, and some lingering candy.

Virginia ABC pick. Strong anise with a touch of sweetness and hints of earth, leather, and old books. Unfortunately, it's not very smooth; even for its proof (119), it burns more than expected.

Not a typical burn. But the alcohol hits hard upfront. Green pepper, not grassy, on the finish. Sweet. Not as good as the wheated version. Not worth $80. Angels Envy rye is much better.

From a state store selection, 113.9 proof. Solid, worth sampling, but not essential to seek out.