Winchester "Extra Smooth" Rye Whiskey

Nose - spearmint, eucalyptus, fennel, bubble gum, cherry, vanilla, nondescript rye spice, yeast, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - spearmint, licorice, cherry, vanilla, rye spice, light oak, mild alcohol bite, finishing quickly with mint, cherry, and rye spice flavors. I find this to be better than the bourbon releases, but not by much. The dominant note is sweet spearmint. There is a bit of sourness on the finish, but not enough to be particularly remarkable. As with the other offerings from this brand, this is not priced commensurate with its quality. For the same price, you can pick up another brand's BiB and have a much better quality rye. This tastes very much like a young MGP rye, so if you want a similar profile, you can spend a bit more and pick up other brands' ryes and have tastier, more mature examples of the mash bill.

It's quite smooth for most people and offers a delightful sweet and subtly spicy flavor on the palate and exhale. Frankly, I would have thought it was bourbon if you hadn't told me; it doesn't have strong rye notes.

Nose: A very faint aroma, with hints of bubblegum, vanilla, and rye. Palate: Gentle rye spice followed by a noticeable warmth on the finish. Finish: Lacks distinction, perhaps a whisper of dried fruit.

Tasting from a mini bottle: Likely aged at least six months in new oak. Features vanilla, light cereal, and an unusual jelly bean sweetness in the finish. It has a thin body and lacks any real rye spice.

It is smooth. Acceptable for what it is. Nothing stands out. But it is definitely the best of the Winchester line.