Fresh from Michter’s is a Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey. This is the barrel strength version of their widely available 84.8 proof US*1 Single Barrel Rye. Each barrel differs slightly in taste and proof, ranging from 108 proof to 113 proof. (Note: The Michter’s team sent me a sample bottle for review.) My sample bottle comes in at a hearty 110.2 proof. There’s no age statement here, but we do know that the barrel entry proof was 103. Well, how is it?
Woodford Reserve is now in the rye whiskey game. There was an indicator a couple of years back when they released rye whiskey as part of their annual Master’s Collection. The reviews I read about it were mixed, but the excitement mostly came from the anticipation of a rye whiskey from Woodford Reserve. The bottle is the same as Woodford Reserve bourbon. The only difference is the green label at the bottom. As with its bourbon brethren, this rye whiskey also has a batch and bottle number.
Woodford Reserve’s PR firm sent me a small review sample. The rye spice in this whiskey is nice. It comes across on the nose, and it should: Woodford Reserve Rye contains 53% rye in its mash bill. I also get some clove, vanilla, black pepper and light brown sugar. The rye also comes across on the palate along with caramel and honey. It has a long sweet honeyed finish. Bottled at 90.4 proof was the right call. It’s a nice sweet spot – not too thin and watery but not too hot. Very balanced.
Priced at $38, slightly higher than their bourbon, Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey is a delicious sipper. As of the writing of this post, Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey is only available in several markets in the United States, but I expect it to spread to the rest of the country soon. Recommended.
8.5/10
On our way back home from an unforgettable honeymoon in Charleston late last year, my wife and I stopped in Tallahassee for gas. I remembered reading about a great liquor store in the area, Market Square Liquors. We were nearby and decided to take a quick detour. Whenever I travel, I manage to squeeze in a visit to a liquor store or two. I’m glad I did. There was an impressive wall of bourbon and other whiskies. My eye got drawn to a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 Rye. With rye whisky experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, demand is high. Wild Turkey 101 rye got taken off the market for a while. While their 81 proof rye is available in most places, Wild Turkey’s 101 rye whiskey is currently limited to bars. If that’s true, how did Market Square Liquors have several bottles for purchase? Their bar is connected to their retail store and is owned by the same gentleman. Needless to say I snatched up a bottle of WT 101 rye (also picked up a bottle of Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Seasoned Oak Finish.)
Wild Turkey 101 proof rye whiskey is a blend of 4 and 5 year old whiskey stock. On the nose I get primarily vanilla, honey and rye spice. The flavors don’t differ much – lots of rye spice, honey, light caramel and mint. The finish on this is medium and sweet, think honey for the aftertaste.
This is one of the sweeter rye whiskies I’ve tasted. It’s not as sweet as Angel’s Envy Rye. It holds up nicely in one of my favorite cocktails, the sazerac. I hope Wild Turkey’s supply of 101 rye catches up with the demand soon. A liter bottle will run you just north of $30. If you’re in the market for a rye and run across a bottle, snatch it up quickly.
8/10
Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey Info, Reviews, and Musings
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