Driftless Glen 51 Rye Whiskey

This is an interesting one. It is a barely legal (51%) rye, done in the Maryland style so that means plenty of corn and a barley backbone. The end result..... a real nice, softer and fruitier expression with nice nutmeg, hints of mint spices but with a fresh and playful peach skin note to it. Think how a fresh picked basket of peaches smells! Intoxicatingly good. I really liked this one. I like what Driftless Glenn is trying to do all the way around in their operation. They are not sourcing and bottling someone else's whiskey, they are making their own with an impressive column still, and even have a pot set-up for other runs. Their aging bourbon and rye stocks are now coming to a good mark, hitting that 5+ year and beyond mark ....and they will only get better from there. As an added mention their restaurant and cocktail program are top notch! They source their rye and wheat grains predominantly from Illinois and then some rye from Canada. The grain is all non- GMO, they use a sweet mash instead of a sour mash, and the end result is a quality product. This distillery to me is an up and comer. The owners did not cheap out when they set out to make whiskey. Selecting Dave Pickerel as a consultant in their start up days proves that they wanted to do things right, didn't spare expense.... and it shows. Great operation on a beautiful piece of historic property in downtown Baraboo. Their distillery and restaurant experience just enhances what is in the glass. This 51% rye is worth the buy. Keep this midwest, to the north distillery on your radar because I spy good things to come. Definately worth your attention.

Never felt like I'm so out of my wheelhouse. Super herbal but not overpowering, no doubt this is good but it's not for me. No spice. Alcohol on the nose but none on the palate at all. Almost gin-like in its herbalness.

One of my favs. A high proof Rye Whiskey with a surprising smooth finish for the high proof. Just rated an 89 in Whiskey Advocate and a silver medal in London Spirits Competition. More of a Maryland style Rye.

Pretty solid. No sign of young, musty youth notes which is exceptional. With some more age, this should be a winner.

Wood. Maybe a little spice. Leather well after the finish. A few drops of water makes it a little musty.

A little musty, a little spice, really opened up with a couple drops of water.