Quarter Horse Kentucky Rye Whiskey

This is significantly better than the Bourbon Outing, yet it remains a very poor offering on the market. For those unaware, Quarter Horse products undergo minimal aging. Instead, a machine called the TerrePure attempts to replicate the effects of aging in a few hours, with disastrous outcomes for the final product, imparting an unusual, highly artificial flavor. The aroma is intensely disagreeable. It carries a strong scent of rye, a peculiar sawdust smell also found in the Quarter Horse Bourbon (I suspect this is a consequence of the TerrePure process, as both products exhibited this strange odor), a spicy note I identify as cardamom, and a powerful artificial ethanol presence. I actually believe this one might objectively smell worse than its Bourbon counterpart due to the paint thinner aroma from the artificial ethanol being quite astringent here. However, on the palate, this is vastly superior to the Quarter Horse Bourbon. It presents an extremely straightforward taste. Rye initially, with whispers of vanilla and oak. Nevertheless, I wouldn't describe it as particularly enjoyable. None of the flavors integrate well. It's akin to consuming an unripe fruit – the flavors are present but don't quite harmonize. This makes sense, as it was only aged for a year, remaining quite young. Still, one could almost overlook being served a young rye whiskey were it not for the dreadful finish. It doesn't commence too badly, with the cardamom appearing at the end alongside a somewhat sharp, spicy bite. Not terrible. However, any goodwill this rye whiskey has established is entirely nullified by this awful, artificial ethanol-like finish that renders the entire experience artificial. It's challenging to articulate the flavor, but it tastes like synthetic alcohol and possesses an almost medicinal quality. Unfortunately for Quarter Horse Rye, this bizarre synthetic finish persists for well over a minute, leaving a disastrous final impression. On the other hand, the Quarter Horse Bourbon's finish shares the same artificial issue while being intolerably bitter and unpleasant, so Quarter Horse Rye earns the distinction of being better simply by being tolerable, if not enjoyable. Ultimately, I find it very difficult to endorse Quarter Horse Rye. If you desire a cool bottle and a somewhat intriguing conversation piece, opt for the Rye over the Bourbon. But if a quality experience is what you seek, steer clear of both.

This rye is stated to be aged a minimum of one year in new oak. It's 90 proof and was inexpensive for a small plastic bottle, with the larger glass bottle costing significantly more. The aroma is quite similar to overly proofed rum, apples, and fruit. The taste leans sweet with minimal, fleeting oak presence, leaving a pleasantly sweet, brief finish with a touch of rye spice. It's smooth but has a slight bite. Available at certain liquor stores. The quality is average. It's acceptable, and I might try the larger glass bottle again to confirm the plastic didn't affect the flavor; I'm also interested in their bourbon.

Nose: very sweet, with medicinal, camphor-like scents underlying a cloying caramel top note. There is vanilla and a very light rye spice in the background. Palate: light rye at the front, but again, medicinal sharpness and bitterness. Flavors dominate before anything else can develop. Did not want to taste any more. Gross.

Caramel, light ethanol, latex paint, rye spices. Mostly inoffensive and light. The immaturity comes through as a light burn on the tongue and throat. This bottle was a gift. I'm not sure if they dislike me, or just weren't aware of its quality. 😂

The nose is very subtle. Quite spicy with some burn. Flavors of oak and rye. It's pretty average overall. I enjoyed the first glass neat, and the second glass with two ice cubes, which helped with the burn. Nothing remarkable, but an acceptable sipper for an inexpensive rye.

For a young rye whiskey, this is quite delicious. It has hints of spice and oak, with a pleasant rye finish. It's very smooth, but has a cinnamon bite in the aftertaste. A good value in its category.