Southern Star Double Rye

Southern Star Double Rye* *A blend of two Straight Rye Whiskies finished in Bourbon Barrels AROMA: Poured into my Glencairn, it displays the color of a new penny. It has a dry, herbaceous rye spice, slightly softened by sweetness. Savory notes of dill, thyme, coriander, mustard seed, black pepper, and cinnamon stick are present, with just hints of vanilla and varnished oak. NEAT: Possibly due to the bourbon barrel finish, it starts off surprisingly sweet with a slightly oily texture. Vanilla is present initially but is quickly replaced by dill and black pepper. It has a bitter grapefruit peel taste, similar to the bite of an overhopped IPA. It's missing licorice, which would complete the trifecta of things I dislike in reality but enjoy in rye whiskey. A subtle hint of varnished oak appears just before the tingly, peppery finish. It seems a bit stronger than its 88 proof. The bitter IPA aftertaste lingers on the palate with black pepper and a touch of sweetness. SPLASH: Adds a brief burst of sticky butterscotch to the aroma. This sweetness transfers to the palate as well. It lessens, but doesn't entirely remove, the bitter IPA notes, and the aftertaste is now much sweeter. VERDICT: It's not bad at all. This company, established in 2013, began distilling its own product and also did contract distilling for others. I believe they aim to become the MGP of the South. Their initial aged releases were sourced from MGP and were quite good. This bottle doesn't mention Indiana, so unless there's clever wording, this might be the first aged product released under their own label. If that's the case, congratulations on a very good whiskey. I think it would be exceptional with a large ice cube and would also work well in cocktails. Added points for the vintage-style labeling, faux tax strip, and Pikesville-style cork. I'm considering a 4, but for now, it's a solid 3.75.

Part of a virtual tasting with Southern Distilling Nose - Black pepper, clove, a hint of dill, a touch of eucalyptus, vanilla bean that's been toasted, caramel, moderately astringent oak char, and a whisper of ethanol. Palate - Faint caramel, a touch of black pepper, allspice, clove, a hint of cinnamon, and light floral notes. The finish is brief with light rye baking spice and floral hints, a bit of black pepper, and barely perceptible ethanol. Simple to sip, but because it's low proof and/or young, it doesn't wow me. The aroma is way better than the taste.

The aroma is the only aspect that suggests a well-crafted whisky, revealing hints of honey, floral notes, and rye spice. Taste: Mint and baking spices quickly yield to flat, stale sweet tea. Finish: Brief. Definitely not recommended.

All I could taste was mint, mint, and more mint. It lacks any complexity. For $35.00 a bottle, there are far, far better rye options available. I read all 22 previous reviews before mine. Perhaps my palate is off?

I found this to be very smooth and a little sweet when consumed neat. After adding a couple drops of water, it became earthier and mustier, allowing the rye spice to really stand out.

The aroma is sweet with a hint of mint. The flavor is very smooth and mellow, with a pleasant warmth at the end.