Stellum Serpens Single Barrel Rye

F9 116.86 proof 58.49% Aroma - Rye and honey are the initial scents I detect. There's a tropical fruit presence, and some citrus, though I can't quite identify the specific fruit. Baking spices round out the nose with a pleasant cinnamon. This profile is quite different from the previous bottle I sampled. Taste - Wow, this is intensely hot. The first sip is all heat. On the second sip, the alcohol is still very prominent, but I'm picking up a lot of rye spice, mint, and bubblegum. There's a lot happening here, but I'm finding it difficult to pinpoint the exact flavors. A massive rush of flavors occurs simultaneously, with alcohol and rye dominating the finish. Overall - Once again, this is extremely bold and extremely hot. It's not something most would enjoy neat, but I personally find it appealing. update * After a few weeks, I revisited the bottle. The heat has significantly subsided, and the rye spice now strongly influences the palate, along with sweet notes of brown sugar and a pie-like crust with fall baking spices. It's remarkable how much this has changed after being open for just a few weeks. It's much more approachable.

Origin of pick unknown 58.12% ABV; 116.24 proof Received a 2 oz sample from a friend Aroma - Pine needles, mint, eucalyptus, butterscotch, honeysuckle, clove, light oak, and strong ethanol. Taste - Spiced orange, delicate honeysuckle and flowers, white sugar, sweet cereal grain, clove, allspice, pine sap, and mint. The finish is medium-long with cloying, oily rye bread, toffee, hot cinnamon mint, pine, and moderate ethanol. This particular selection is notably superior to the standard Stellum Rye. The standard version is mediocre for its price, with numerous better rye options available in that bracket. The original focuses solely on spice and heat, lacking complexity or sweetness. This version incorporates more baking spice and floral sweetness. I recommend seeking out a store pick if possible.

A classic Indiana rye with a 95/5 mash bill, delivering plenty of spice and a solid kick of caramel. The nose is full of mint and pepper, thankfully with minimal dill. The palate offers a significant bite, due to both the cask strength ABV and the abundant rye. It somewhat mellows to provide a sweeter caramel finish, followed by more pepper. The mouthfeel is nicely rich. For the price, it's a solid value. I would recommend purchasing it if you enjoy the MGP 95/5 profile. Personally, it's not my preferred style, but it's considerably better than Bulleit Rye.

Store pick. 117.74 proof. Serpens Aroma - Quite floral, with notes of perfume, vanilla extract, and citrus. Taste - Creamy orange vanilla, apricot, Sprite-like citrus, rye spice, and Graham cracker crust. Finish - Thinner mouthfeel. Abundant spice, vanilla, and aniseed. An easy-sipping spirit with prominent citrus notes. An ideal summer rye.

A single barrel rye from R/bourbon, thanks to a friend. The aroma has a lot of rye, French oak, and vanilla extract, with some herbal spiciness. The taste is wonderfully smooth, featuring licorice candy, abundant rye, and a touch of horehound. Truly a magnificent whisky.

Mollys barrel pick 2022. Nose features baking spice, a spicy rye bite, ethanol, and a hint of something herbal and minty. Palate is nice, finish is even better! Spicy but sweet with an almost malty finish. Will try again when less busy.