Painted Stave Bottled In Bond Rye Whiskey

Sample #8 of 9 (whiskies of the world) virtual tasting, having received 10 samples. One of the samples was actually a rum, not a whisky. See my review of Diplomatico Reserva. I'm thrilled to have discovered a rum that challenged my fondness for bourbon! This tasting event was a gift for my partner's 50th birthday, so I purchased two sample boxes, and we participated in the Zoom call together one evening. It was a fantastic experience, and I'm glad we had two boxes because by the time we reached the final few samples, my tasting notes became a bit questionable due to a significant buzz. Even with palate cleansers and coffee bean sniffing, I'm sure my tasting wasn't as sharp as it was during the initial samples. We were wise to just share the first box and save the second for tasting over the course of a week to ensure our notes were accurate. Review: Appearance: Light Amber, Thin viscosity. Nose: Cinnamon candies (Red Hots), biscuit, oak, cherries, apricot. Texture: Medium body. Flavor: Pronounced wheat character with a beer-like quality. Notes of grains and sweet corn. Heat from peppers, cloves, and cinnamon. Finish: Long, with the wheat flavors persisting. Overall: The taste is reminiscent of the aroma of brewing beer. The cinnamon is similar to Red Hots candy but less sugary. I absolutely love the nose and the lingering spent grain flavor, as a beer brewer myself, but it doesn't deliver all the nuances I seek in a whisky. Nevertheless, it's quite good. I would enjoy having this on hand and would consider purchasing a bottle, if only for the sensation it evokes and that glorious nose! However, I wouldn't part with valuable possessions for it, hence a solid 3 out of 5 on my rating scale.

A potent, limited production Bottled In Bond Rye Whiskey from Smyrna, Delaware, using local components. Its mash bill is 67% Rye, 25% Corn, and 8% Malted Barley, aged at least 2 years. It begins with an aroma of grain, wood, and spices; develops with notes of rye, oak, and vanilla; and concludes with a balanced, medium-length finish featuring hints of sweet corn and barley. December 2021 / August 2022

The aroma is very faint, with only traces of citrus and caramel. Wood notes dominate the palate, followed by a bit of heat. The lingering taste is spicy with a whisper of smoke.

Scents of sea air, toffee, oak, apple, rye toast, honey, and wildflowers. The taste is rich and quite sweet, with honey, rye bread, pepper, and brown sugar. A lightly spiced finish lingers.

The aroma has an unpleasant grain alcohol quality, but the taste offers wood and spice.

It's unremarkable, but very easy to drink.