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About this bottle
This marks the inaugural edition of Smooth Ambler's limited expression, entirely produced on-site. Its mash bill comprises 88% rye and 12% malted barley, with a maturation of at least 5 years. Bottled at cask strength, it is neither chill-filtered nor charcoal-filtered. As it is released in batches, the ABV and flavor profile will differ with each. This 2021 edition became available in limited quantities by December 2021.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Aroma - Immediately appealing. Significant depth here. Massive oak and rye. Sugar candies, brown sugar, orange peel, pepper, and spices. There's another fruity element I can't quite identify. Doesn't smell like a 5-year-old spirit. If tasted blind, I'd estimate 8-9 years. Very robust and bold. Anticipating the taste to match.
Taste - Truly exceptional. Highly complex. An incredible balance of sweet caramel and vanilla, followed by a surge of intense rye spice and cinnamon. A deep, dark undertone is present - leather, oak, black tea are definitely noticeable.
Overall - This meets all my criteria. Aroma and taste are outstanding. The finish is long, and the viscosity is great, like syrup. Absolutely fantastic.
KKiera Ventura4.5
NOSE
Oak, dried dark fruit, herbal dill-rye spice, hazelnuts, citrus, cocoa, and a hint of breadiness.
Rich, darkly fruity, oaky, spicy… this is an excellent rye!
PALATE
Oaky, dilly, herbal, darkly fruity, cocoa, coppery, crackers and dried blueberries, baking spice, and breadiness.
Heavy and rich with layers of spice, this is a true rye drinker’s rye!
FINISH
Long -> Oak, dilly, herbal spice, and leathery cocoa.
CChrista Crooks4.0
Smell is oak and vanilla.
Flavor is intensely oaky and rye-forward; I feel like I discover something new with each tasting. One instance yielded straight-up fresh dill. I get hints of earth, licorice, and strong rye character.
VVictoria Ruiz3.0
This is not to my taste. It's well-crafted and drinkable, but for me, it has a noticeable dill pickle character, which I don't care for. While I appreciate a good rye and enjoy rye spice/bread notes, this one doesn't deliver that for me.
CCarmine Randle5.0
Excellent mouthfeel, a pleasant warmth from Kentucky, sweet with abundant baking spices. One of the best Rye whiskeys I own, and it drinks much lighter than its stated proof!
