Riverset Single Barrel Straight Rye

Took a chance on another $40 rye. This specific single barrel is 116.4 proof, aged 5 years, and the label indicates it was hand-selected by Thirst Wine Merchants. I'm not fond of the wording used to describe its origin. I'm quite sure it's sourced, but the label states "distilled in Tennessee and bottled by..." I initially purchased this believing they were the distiller. The spirit itself has a very fruit-forward aroma and taste, similar to the last rye I sampled, the Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye. Apple and peach are prominent; the peach is always a welcome find in a whiskey. A little rye herbal spice appears on the finish. This has a more pronounced herbal rye spice than the barely legal ryes, but it's not an intensely herbal spirit. Overall, I like this and don't want to nitpick, but there's a somewhat unpleasant note that strikes me as new carpet on the nose, and an aftertaste that I compare to Diet Pepsi. The artificial sweetener aftertaste is something I occasionally notice in ryes, but it's particularly apparent here. I appreciate the higher proof, and it doesn't seem overly hot considering the proof, but I prefer the Contradiction, which is also slightly cheaper, so this is unlikely to be a repurchase for me. *Additionally, this doesn't compare favorably to Pikesville at the same price point and similar proof. *Update: After some initial "off gassing," I no longer detect any new carpet smell, but the finish still has a slight hint of diet soda. I'm quite pleased with this, giving it a quarter-point increase. Update 2: Spending more time with this, there's a subtle element on the back end that reminds me of Willett 4 year. This has more caramel and vanilla upfront, but the fruit and finish share some similarities with Willett. I'll retract some of my previous comments, but I'll leave them for posterity. Perhaps one day I'll learn to wait before reviewing, although there's also merit in demonstrating how a whiskey and one's perception of it can change over the course of a bottle. I don't want to get ahead of myself (further) as I still have a lot left in this bottle, but this might indeed be a repurchase.

The first bottle of rye I've purchased for myself in ages. It caught my eye on the shelf, featuring a neat gold sticker indicating it was “hand selected for Texas (my current state), and it was priced well at $40 (my cutoff for trying something new without buyer's remorse). I certainly wasn't disappointed. The aroma is quite gentle, with a subtle spiced bread character. Then comes the taste. It begins rather mild for a rye. I was nearly let down... then it arrived. Warmth, spice, power... excitement. It felt like eagerly awaiting a parade, wondering where it had gone, only to be immediately overwhelmed, but in a good way. The parade (or finish) continues indefinitely once it starts, leaving a lingering spicy cornbread with undertones of nutmeg and toffee. This is an excellent rye for its cost, packed with flavor; patience is key to uncovering its full potential. Pleased with this purchase. I'll savor it over time.

Wow, this is incredible, especially for the cost... I decided to take a chance on this, and I'm very glad I did. I might even buy another bottle just to ensure I have one. NOSE: Sweet, pleasant, flavorful, and complex. PALATE: An initial burst of spice and sweetness. A nice combination of flavors. Moderate oily mouthfeel; I wish it had a bit more, but that's just my preference. It's still quite enjoyable. It is very drinkable and pleasurable at this proof. FINISH: Really, really nice. The spice lingers on the palate along with some of the complex flavor, but it's not overwhelming.

123.4 proof. Bottle 14; no batch information, so its order is unknown. It does note selection for Texas, making me feel special. Nose: Oak, caramel, rye, peach, citrus peel, and pear; soft yet complex. Palate: Rich and spicy, with caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, raisin, oak, black pepper, and rye. Finish: Spicy. Hot, but not excessively so, especially for the proof. Full-bodied. Quite enjoyable.

This Gomers-KS Barrel Pick, aged 5 years and bottled at 119 Proof, presents a very sweet and fruity nose with notes of cardamom and cream of tartar. The flavor follows suit but with a strong rye presence of licorice that lingers. It's very enjoyable. The finish is peppery but brief, its main drawback, otherwise, it would receive a higher rating. Rye enthusiasts will appreciate this; those undecided or not fond of the rye anise flavor might not find it suitable.

Sampled blind in a glencairn, neat. The aroma is reminiscent of a melted root beer float, with a mix of citrus peels. The palate has a sharp kick of red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and faint oak. The finish is like delicious cinnamon gum.