Traverse City Whiskey Co. Barrel Proof Straight Rye

Bull City Bourbon Club pick, "BCBC 2" Mashbill - 95% rye / 5% malted barley Age - 8 years, 3 months 59.5% abv; 119.0 proof Opened 4 months Did not purchase the bottle, received a 2 oz sample Aroma - Potent herbal rye spice, clove, menthol, fruity gum, chalk, powdered sugar, frosted cinnamon bun, moderate oak, and strong ethanol. Palate - Fresh conifer needles, pine sap, anise, cardamon, black pepper, light caramel, unsweetened gingerbread, and chalky gum. The finish is medium with bitter herbs, heavy rye spices including black pepper, clove, anise, and a strong ethanol bite. My club (and many other enthusiasts) rave about Traverse City picks, but I've avoided them due to cost. It's quite easy to find 6+ year MGP rye for significantly less. Based on this pick, I believe I made the correct decision. This is classic MGP rye with the ethanol and spice amplified a couple of notches. Personally, I've had MGP rye from Sagamore, Smooth Ambler, Templeton, and O.K.I. that was just as good or better. Unless you have the opportunity to taste it beforehand, I would advise saving your money and purchasing a pick from one of those distilleries.

Alcohol content 58.8%. Purchased directly from the producer. The color is tawny. Despite the high proof, the aromas are somewhat reserved. Nevertheless, it still presents caramel, cinnamon, charred wood, mint, mustard greens, burnt toast, grape jam, and brown sugar. The palate is intense, with the alcohol's burn being more pronounced than anticipated. There's some spice, wintergreen, cooked mint, and bread notes; however, it drinks much like a bourbon for a rye. Spearmint and marmalade appear on the finish. Perhaps my perception is dulled from simultaneously tasting the Willet for $30 less. That particular spirit is clearly superior. Looking back, the North Coast Rye was the better choice. It's still a very commendable bottle.

The barrel proof selections from TC Whiskey surpass their standard offerings considerably. I anticipate the Rye will follow suit. The aroma is subtly fiery with a touch of sweetness complementing the classic Rye characteristics. The initial taste is impactful at nearly 120 proof, but without an alcohol-forward burn. There's a discernible Rye sweetness interwoven with hints of cardamom. The finish, however, is exceptional, featuring a long, smooth habanero heat. Overall, it doesn't quite match the BP Whiskey. At $80, I likely won't repurchase once this bottle is depleted.

Smell: spearmint, lemongrass, herbaceous; a strong rye presence. Taste: typical rye kick, spearmint, with a pleasant caramel sugar note. Ending: short, smooth conclusion. Enjoyable and classic rye.

Possesses nice complexity and a good flavor profile. It's smooth and robust, with minimal burn considering its proof.

MBC "Spicy Meatball" selection. Many thanks to Griffin!