The Senator (Winter 2020)

The nose presents gingerbread, pine, clove, lemon peel, and hay. A slight ethanol presence is noticeable, which is understandable given the proof, but it's there. The palate is lively with snickerdoodle cookie, anise, cinnamon sugar, vanilla bean, cardamom, and nutmeg. The long finish provides mint, light oak, rye spice, cinnamon, and pink peppercorn, with the spiciness intensifying after subsequent sips. Flavors from the palate transition smoothly to the finish. The mouthfeel is thick, rich, and exceptionally dry, elevating the overall experience. An excellent example of a mature, sweet and spicy rye, offering a robust, well-integrated, and harmonious profile. At $83 with a 6-year age statement, it's reasonably priced for its quality. It's distinctly MGP but possesses a slightly sweeter and more balanced character than many other MGP selections, demonstrating the barrel selection expertise of the people at Proof and Wood. I consider it superior to the average and a definite repurchase.

Nose: brown sugar butter, leather, mint Palate: oak, leather, mint Finish: oily, honey, mint. Moderate length, drying. - My partner's notes: Nose: honeysuckle, oak Palate: yellow butter, blonde crème brûlée, oak Finish: honey, burn. Short, drying finish. Hint of char at the end.

I was genuinely surprised by this. It was rather expensive, but I eventually found it on discount. A close-out at a large retail establishment. I am very pleased I got it. It is an excellent, balanced rye and has been my perfect go-to for daily enjoyment since I purchased it.

Nose: mint, eucalyptus, rye. Crisp and subtly sweet. The palate has some mint and eucalyptus, but a robust sweetness and ethanol burn. It dries slightly, yet offers a pleasant, lingering finish of sweet minty gum.

Silky texture on the palate.