Old Pepper 3 Year Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey

A barrel selection from my preferred local shop, Bottle Barn. 3 Year cask strength (107 proof) MGP. You can't go wrong with any selection made by Jason from Bottle Barn. If you happen to find one of his Four Roses selections, grab it! I hadn't heard of Old Pepper Rye. It's no surprise, considering I had to add it to the database. I've seen the 10-year bourbon priced excessively high at my local store, but for $40 for a barrel pick rye, why not? Nose: Very grassy, spicy notes with vanilla, lemon peel, strong ethanol, and some of that 'too young' piney whiskey aroma. Flavor: Still a hint of young pine, but sweet and spicy with more herbal, grassy notes. A bit alcohol-forward, but strong on the sweet heat. Finish: Barrel char, black pepper, followed by more sweet herbal notes. Not overly hot. It's a bit immature, showing some pine notes that suggest it needed more barrel time, but overall it's solid for the price. A pleasant sweet and spicy rye with herbal notes that add complexity and intrigue. I believe with another year or two in the barrel, this would be exceptional instead of just adequate.

The aroma and palate are intense with mint, eucalyptus, and herbal notes. It has a slick, oily texture and an herbal finish. If these are the rye characteristics you seek, this is the rye for you.