Here’s a refreshing thought – the folks at Barrell Craft Spirits don’t seem to care where they source their whiskeys so long as they find the aromas, flavors, and mouth-feel interesting. Yes, that last bit is subjective, but it plays an important part in blending a compelling whiskey. This is something in which they excel.

Case in point, Batch 003 of their rye whiskey. It includes straight rye whiskies from Tennessee, Indiana, Poland, and Canada. A world whiskey indeed. The 4-year-old rye is bottled at a cask strength of 116.7 proof, or 58.35% ABV.

The whiskey itself is pretty tasty. There’s lots of honey, rye spice, and ripe fruit on the nose, with a sprinkling of cardamon and allspice. Some of the barrels used here are 13-year-old Canadian rye, which contributes a bit of grassiness on the palate. It’s balanced by creamy caramel , dried red fruit, and almonds. Cinnamon stick and a light touch of oak show up on the back palate. The medium-length finish is rather clean and crisp, with a lingering touch of honey and mint.

What’s great about this rye is it’s lack of overt ‘heaviness’. Generally, I find a lot of rye whiskeys to be bold and spicy. Something that is more in line with winter and not summer. With Barrell Rye batch 003, the flavors tend to be carried in a lighter way. Flavors are a bit more spread out, allowing the different rye whiskies used in this blend to shine. It’s full of flavor, but airy enough to be enjoyed outdoors in 100 degree summer heat. I think I just found my rye whiskey for the season.

Thanks to Barrell Craft Spirits for the production sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.