Stellum Rye

This particular whiskey doesn't carry as much backstory as many I acquire; it's not really an occasion dram. I enjoy rye, and this cask strength bottling, produced by the same company as Barrell, was found in Jersey for $46.99, making it the most affordable cask strength rye I've encountered, and possibly slightly below its suggested retail price. However, it doesn't quite measure up to Alberta Premium Cask Strength, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, Sagamore Spirit Single Barrel Select Barrel Proof, or either of the Knob Creek Single Barrels I've sampled. The primary reason for this is a lack of complexity compared to those other high-proof ryes. It does excel in that neither the aroma nor the taste suggest its 116 proof; in fact, when compared, it's perhaps only slightly more potent than Russell's Reserve 6, the only other rye I have open, but not significantly so. In other words, it's much gentler than its stated proof implies. Yet, I mentioned a lack of complexity, which isn't necessarily a negative, as it still offers strong flavors (sometimes simple songs with just a few chords can be incredibly impactful). These flavors are predominantly spearmint and rye spice, with hints of clove and cinnamon. The aroma is reminiscent of an alcoholic stick of Wrigley's gum, with the mint being dominant, while on the palate, the rye takes center stage, pushing the mint to the background. It concludes with a pleasant, moderate finish of cloves. Overall, I don't regret the $47 spent on this bottle and will find good uses for it. Still, it's not a must-seek-out bottle and certainly not one to overpay for. It possesses a certain evergreen quality, perhaps a touch of pine, offering a refreshing sensation like the pine air freshener I used to hang in a friend's car to mask the scent of teenage boys and antifreeze. It's a suitable drink for the holidays and my year-end break. Tonight, I'm watching a holiday movie and enjoying this rye, a fine way to spend a couple of hours. Hopefully, I won't spill it and nod off, only to hear a familiar exchange about a wet carpet. Now, let's try it with ice.

Nose: Fresh, fruity, and aromatic. The typical rye spices are present but subtle, with bright citrus, pine forest, and menthol/mint scents. There's also a ginger note, making it similar to smelling alcoholic ginger ale. Palate: Spicy and sweet. Begins with fruitiness and a flavor reminiscent of dark ale with honeyed malt notes. The palate feels subjectively richer and 'darker' than the nose, likely due to the moderately high alcohol content. Peppermint, mint, and pepper emerge as it develops. The texture is dry and somewhat firm, again possibly due to the elevated alcohol level. Finish: Medium length. Similar to the developing palate, gradually fading into minty spices and peppercorns, leaving a tannic sensation. It's pleasant but appears young and generic. While I enjoyed it, the local price is exorbitant, and I wouldn't purchase a full bottle. I've been fortunate recently with Australian distilleries releasing rye whiskeys that significantly outperform this, and at half the cost. A Tasmanian producer offers a rye whiskey that is remarkably distinctive and intriguing, qualities that cannot be attributed to this bottling. It's perfectly acceptable, but barely above average, and not recommended given the price. Sampled from a 15ml pour. 'Above Average': 82/100 (3.25 stars).

From Barrell products, this Tri State rye originates in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. With nearly 120 proof, it should possess a powerful and rich character, similar to its bourbon relation. Appearance: A deep golden hue, bordering on amber, with a seemingly thin body that nevertheless leaves pretty thick trails. Nose: Bright notes of golden pear, cedar, honey, and baking spices like cinnamon and apple (reminiscent of baked pie) emerge deeper within the glass. The scent was not overpowering or intense, but it was enjoyable. Palate: Spicy spearmint, honey-infused wood, cedar, and cinnamon create a tingling sensation on your tongue. The taste is robust yet leans towards the dry side. The finish is light but enduring, with a slightly viscous liquid that is quite acidic. The barrel strength heat remains on your palate long after the taste fades. The lingering finish is smooth and pleasant, with honey, cedar, aged leather, and mint creating a balanced and agreeable experience. This Stellum rye truly lives up to its bourbon predecessor. At times, it's vibrant and exciting, smooth yet intricate. While it doesn't emphasize sweetness, its complexity compensates. It's a decent choice for its price point, though some limited editions or single barrels in the same bracket feel more complete and well-rounded. Nevertheless, it serves as an excellent introduction to Barrell's offerings.

Another MGP 95/5 rye, but I'm intrigued by what Barrell's blenders can accomplish. The aroma is rich with spearmint, pine, lemongrass, and basil, underpinned by a hint of graham cracker crust, giving it a distinctly spruce-like character. The palate closely mirrors the aroma, with the addition of richer honey replacing the graham cracker, but all other elements are present. Camphor, menthol, and peppermint notes are also detected. The flavors hit assertively, which is a positive. The finish is primarily mint with some pink peppercorn (more akin to chili pepper than black pepper). However, the main drawback is the lack of variation; there's a lot of 'sameness' here. The mouthfeel reveals the product's youth, feeling quite grainy. Ultimately, it falls a bit short for me due to a lack of complexity and depth, along with a few rough edges. It's not bad, but it requires something more, likely additional aging. At $58, better rye options exist. I wouldn't repurchase it.

Opened 3 months Nose - Intense and strong rye spice, eucalyptus, pine, herbal, grainy, green apples, honey, and pronounced ethanol. Palate - Pine sap, herbs and mint, honeysuckle, unripe apples, sharp and dry baking spices, and black pepper. The finish is medium with harsh ethanol and rye spice, black pepper, pine and juniper, light caramel, and dill. This is acceptable, but not something I would purchase again. I was enthusiastic about Barrell offering a more budget-friendly cask strength rye; however, this does not distinguish itself within this price bracket. It is solely spice and floral notes lacking any depth of flavor, and a clear absence of fruit and sweetness. I would prefer to purchase Pikesville, Old Scout, Templeton, Wilderness Trail, Sagamore, Knob Creek, Pinhook, Russell's Reserve, and more if I am spending $50-65 on a rye. I will finish this bottle in cocktails because it is not an excellent sipping rye compared to others I presently have open.

Nose - Cinnamon, cloves, caramel, a trace of minty dill, sweet grassy aroma (with water) Identical Taste - Cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, a hint of mint/dill (with water) Identical Finish - Mild bitter clove sweetness, gentle cinnamon brown sugar (with water) Identical Score - 80/100 Final Thoughts - On the nose, it has hints of that minty/dill rye character I notice. A light, dark/woody clove vibe with brown sugar sweetness. Nothing exceptional, but at the same time nothing particularly unpleasant either. This seems suitable for sipping when you desire a pleasant "spicy" rye, but I believe it would also work well in a Manhattan or a standard Old Fashioned. Would I consume it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically request it? - No Would I purchase a bottle? - No NOTE - All evaluations are conducted without considering price.