The Senator Barrel Proof (Summer 2021)

Whenever I find a Rye that's at least 6 years old with a sweet flavor profile, I'm ecstatic. This rye's flavor profile is genuinely good. It doesn't have the sharp initial bite one expects from a rye. This 2021 release is excellent and could triumph in many rye comparisons. I do have a 2022 single barrel release that is my top rye ever. This one matches the flavor profile but lacks the finish of that single barrel. If the finish were as exceptional as that single barrel, I'd buy every bottle I could find.

Aroma - Clean, pepper, orange citrus, and crisp white grape. A bit of condensed milk and cinnamon mingle with some lightly toasted leather. Palate - Incredibly vibrant. A powerful burst of flavor. Citrus is central here, brightening the typical rye notes of mint and herbs. Some cinnamon complements the lemon and vanilla. Aftertaste - Cinnamon, oak, vanilla, and herb. A surprisingly strong performer.