Whistlepig 12 Year Old World Rye Bespoke Blend

Starting December 13, I'm exploring a new rye whiskey daily for the month. While my rye expertise isn't as lacking as my Scotch knowledge was last year, I'm always open to recommendations for good rye whiskies. With these new goals (goals are good), I need help finding some key contenders. Send me your most potent suggestion. Goals (summary): 5 ryes. 4.5 stars. Widely available. (3/5, WT101, Whistlepig 10, Whistlepig 12) I want to distinguish between bourbon and rye on the first try. One of these must be an Empire Rye. I'm looking for a bold rye, one that tastes like your least favorite colleague announcing a Christmas gift for you in front of everyone. And it's pricey. >>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Smell: Some oak and apple with minimal heat on the nose. Some sweetness that is tough to place, maybe honey. Taste: Rye hits with some black pepper and medium heat. Finish: some of that peppery burn rolls through followed by some fruit and then a long chocolate finish. Very nice finish Overall this is a solid rye with a very good finish. Finish lasted quite awhile and really put a stamp on its rating. Very good

A store selection from VT, with maturation components of 60% Madeira, 20% Sauternes, and 20% Port. The palate isn't as sweet as the aroma suggested, which is a positive, as the sweet barrel finish notes blend well with the rye's spice. The finish is long and warm, especially considering the proof. There's nothing inherently wrong with this bottle; it's simply that I enjoy the 10-year expression almost as much for considerably less cost.

Nose - Floral and herbal scents. Faint smoky wisps. Palate - Oaky for a rye. Floral honey notes. Smoky barbecue characteristics. Cinnamon. Finish - A medium finish with smoky cinnamon. Dark cocoa undertones.

The aroma is of baking spices, oak, and a hint of cedar and blackberry; it has rye spice, oak, and walnut on the palate; a medium finish with rye spice and some pastry notes; it's smooth and not very sweet, with a medium texture.

Soft and smooth with a powerful finish. To my developing palate, it's complex. There are many subtle flavors in the background, but the finish is excellent!