Rossville Union 7 Year Barrel Proof Straight Rye (2022 Release)

From a specific producer (MGP), this is a straight rye whiskey from 82 barrels, aged 7 years, and bottled at 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) in 2022. Tasted neat. The color is a pleasing deep rosy brown with viscous legs clinging to the glass. The nose offers light cereal and grassy notes with some vanilla and oak. Upon tasting, there's an immediate rush of rye grain, spice, and syrupy sweetness, followed by an ethanol presence that isn't unpleasant. This leads to a somewhat acerbic, tannic oak and leather flavor that feels dry and rather thin in the mouth. The finish combines that tannic oak note with rye spice and a fairly long, sweet, grassy conclusion. Adding an ice cube softens and integrates the flavors, emphasizing the sweeter, grassier aspects of the rye, making it much easier to drink. When mixed into a Whiskey Smash (mint, lemon, sugar, ice), it truly excels, though it's quite expensive for a mixing rye. It's commendable to see this producer releasing and marketing their own product. We know they produce excellent whiskies, so it's natural to expect them to showcase their best in their own brands, isn't it? However, I'm not entirely convinced they are doing so... yet. But I'm keen to follow their progress.

The aroma presents notes of grass, fennel, freshly ground rye grain, honey, oregano, thyme, pumpernickel bread, caramel, melon, and pine. The ethanol is occasionally a bit strong. Quite intricate. The taste is spicy and herbaceous, as expected. Prominent black pepper notes are present, along with vanilla, caramel, mint, and a subtle leafy herb from the aroma (if forced, I'd say oregano). The finish introduces some welcome sweetness in the form of graham cracker and chocolate (an unexpected addition!). The rye spice from the palate transitions into a chili pepper sensation. Peppermint is also detectable. The texture in the mouth is delightfully rich. It largely delivers what I seek in a rye, with nearly equal proportions of sweet, spicy, and herbal elements. I believe I paid $83 for it, which I consider a fair price. Very solid.

I've spent more on spirits I think are inferior to this one. I will go back to see if any are remaining. As usual, I had it neat.

I really like this one, starting with its sweetness and concluding with the rye's spice!

An absolutely superb rye! Thanks to friends for the recommendations.

Thick, sweeter than expected for rye, and not harsh despite the 123 proof.