The nose is immediately sweet of mild spearmint, floral rye spice, creme brulee and creamy charred oak. It really is a treat to smell this as it is very unique and doesn't remind you of most other Kentucky rye whiskey. The way that it is sharply, yet mildly, sweet on the nose really sets it apart. The palate is gentle and full of floral rye that encapsulates the mouth with a dry sweetness and sharp black pepper. Ripe fruit and charred oak follow, underlined by a strong wave of spearmint and charred oak. The finish is medium long with a lingering black pepper and citrusy, floral rye. Spearmint and charred oak provide backup to such an interesting experience.
Castle & Key Restoration Rye 2021 (Batch 2)
About this bottle
This seasonal, limited release comes from a blend of 75 barrels that are grouped according to specific sensory profiles that are drawn from for the final blend. The mash bill is 17% yellow corn, 63% rye, and 20% malted barley. It is bottled at 52% ABV, with 18,648 bottles available as of September, 2021.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 8 parsed reviews.
I gave this a 4 bc it is the first rye that I’ve had that I actually enjoy. A friend had introduced me to this at my local cigar bar and I went and bout a bottle soon after. To me this has scents and flavors that I’m unfamiliar with so I can’t give a good description yet. But it’s complex, similar in scent and pallet, I highly recommend you give it a try.
Nose: herbal, rye spice, cream brulee, toffee, caramels, all the burnt sugars. Taste: sweet and herbal, then some heat with baked fruit, nutmeg, dark chocolate with a looong cinnamon pastry finish. It leaves your mouth warm and slightly numb in a good way. Impressive pour and very excited to try in AZ where we don't get distribution.
Very nice rye. First experience with this neat. Had a couple Old Fashioneds at the distillery during our visit, and they were fantastic. And the venue is quite beautiful. The neat experience does not disappoint either. Excellent viscous mouth feel and full of flavor. Finish is fairly short, but satisfying.
Hot and peppery. Sweet and Carmel linger after burn dissipates.
Lot of flavor not a ton of bite. Great
2 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.