The Senator Summer 2021

Liquor City Uncorked pick, "Gallenstein's Selection #2" Barreled on 12-13-2014 Bottled on 10-01-2021 Age - 6 years, 9 months, 18 days 58.5% abv; 117 proof Open 10 weeks Nose - Sweet clove and dill, caramel, cinnamon, allspice, rich oak, tobacco, pine needles, and moderate ethanol. Palate - Oily rye spices, heavy clove, black pepper, gingerbread, and leather. Finish is long with hot oak, dry rye spices, black pepper, hint of cardamom, brown sugar, and moderate ethanol. The Senator is excellent, but doesn't offer the best value for an MGP rye. It's one of the older barrel-proof ryes available for under $100 at almost 7 years old, which is certainly a plus. Personally, I believe you'll find similar quality MGP rye in 5-6 year old Old Scout picks for $20 less.

Neat. Sample from a friend. Not sure of the release but it was labeled as 117 pf. Wow! This is really good. Smooth to drink. Lots of barrel influence. Nose- very mild. A little ethanol heat but hardly noticeable. Palate is sweet then dominated by spice, oak and some minty rye notes. Finish is medium without much burn. Fantastic rye. I'll definitely buy a bottle.

I discovered this at a local store with an impressive selection. I hadn't seen it before and got a sample. The nose had mint and a floral hint. The palate was oily and floral. The aftertaste was reminiscent of a bold red wine, incredibly dry. I tried it neat, then added an ice cube. It improved with the ice, but it was a very surprising drink. I wouldn't pay $75 a bottle for it, but it was a nice sample.

This is a damn fine aged MGP rye. Those familiar with the profile will appreciate it. It's thick, velvety, spicy, and herbaceous. Quite pleasant, with remarkable packaging. It surpasses Eagle Rare as my preferred bottle (for its presentation, if the intent wasn't clear enough).

Color: Dark amber. Nose: Dried fruit, dill, warehouse notes. Taste: Dried fruit, spice, oily, rich, with notes of figs and raisins. Finish: Sweet dried fruit, a long, smooth finish. Rating: 9/10. Value: 8.5/10.

Excellent spice coupled with a smooth finish. Simply perfect!