Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Cask Proof

In the "good news department" is the recent release of Catoctin Creek whiskies in Canada. I love seeing more American whiskey offerings pop up locally. I decided to try the Cask Proof Roundstone Rye first, a single barrel 100% rye whiskey at 58% ABV. Orange syrup, dried dates and cloves meet severed wood as I inhale this deep amber rye. I can picture an old woodworking shop as I close my eyes and sit with this pour. While I sip, faint sweetness ascends to a pepper-petrol note in the middle. It wanes to an enjoyably long, warming, baking space-laden, cocoa dusted, lightly tannic oak finish. Catoctin Creek Cask Proof Rye opens up nicely with a few drops of water added. It's substantial enough to play with the light dilution but I'm curious to see how their other offerings compare. 7.25/10

Nose: Maple syrup, Arnold Palmer effervescence, mixed berry jam, rye bread dough, wood polish, and youthful grain. Taste: Bright light lemon, oak tannins, full mouthfeel, Swedish Fish, drying spices. Finish: Spices, lemon, oak, oversteeped black tea, full mouthfeel but short finish. Swedish Fish again! Fun! Overall: I think the youth of this spirit is the greatest detractor from the overall experience. It tastes full of potential. Looking forward to great things from this distillery. I purchased this bottle after having tasted a buddy’s store pick which initially blew my socks off. If you purchase this in the immediate, I would recommend buying a special pick rather than the standard bottling. Good things are coming for Catoctin Creek.

Nose - butterscotch hard candy, clove, cardamom, leather tobacco, black pepper, moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - butterscotch hard candy, rye spice (but not as dominant as in the other expressions), cardamom, caramel, dry vanilla, leather, tobacco, moderate to high alcohol bite, finishing medium length with butterscotch, tobacco, and tannic leather flavors. This is my favorite of the three, but not by much. I think their offerings will be much more enticing once they’re able to consistently release older products.

Smells sweet and dark, tastes the same. Very strong and spicy. Flavors of dates, figs, cloves, and molasses that start out deep and sweet with a long finish, but then it ends with a slightly bitter aftertaste like burned caramel or charred raisins that takes away from the experience.

reminds me of finished whiskey. The small barrel hurts it. Almost syrupy fruity cherry medicine maple syrup notes. I personally am finding the syrupyness unpleasant. Spice and earthy tones still bright. I love 100% rye generally but this one I would not recommend for the price

This is one of my favorite Ryes. It is totally unique and has a viscus mouth feel as well, To me it has a strong fruity, almost a sherry taste up front and currant on the back end . It also slides down on the back end quite smoothly. A true winner!