Journeyman Distillery Not a King

Traveling down a whisk(e)y side path, I happened to acquire a bottle of Not a King Organic Rye Whiskey from Journeyman Distillery. Apparently this bottle features a throwback rye mashbill that was popular in the George Washington era. Without digging deep for facts, I’m pretty sure this is an annual February release to coincide with the Pres Day holiday. Pouring a really nice orange-tinted color, the aroma from the glencairn is a youthful combo of rye bread, spices, and fruit notes. The palate is a heavy syrup of maraschino cherries and triaminic with some lingering pepper. While it delivers a decent rye spiciness and warmth, there’s not really any memorable qualities. I’d call it middle of the pack even though my bank of ryes to compare it to is admittedly thin. Had higher expectations. Rating: the 91 score from Distiller is super generous as I’d lean low 80s - worth a pour but probably not a bottle. Journeyman is commendable for using quality ingredients and is one of the leading craft distilleries (along with Koval & Wigle) with a stable of organic spirits. In theory, I’d like to offer my continued support but the dilemma is paying $45-$50 for an entirely average product when I can get a higher quality bottle of High West Double Rye (and a bunch of other ryes I haven’t tried) for $10-$20 less. Tough call. Cheers Batch: 3 Bottle: 2327

Journeyman's Not A King Rye - 2- Both of these noses are GREAT. I'm initially greeted with a green jolly rancher that's nice and tart! Nose too hard and you'll miss it. slightly lighter and bright compared to 1. it almost opens up to pear upon diving further in. Vanilla Ice cream, pear ala mode. the nose continues to evolve as the last sip remains. almost That lightness certainly continues on the palate, and the becomes more clear that it is pear im tasting. Wow, yeah, PEAR! A Light and almost toasted oak? The finish is lacking a bit. it doesn't quite create the experience id like through the mouth and is confined to the middle of my tongue. The pear lingers through the end but I feel this would be better at higher proof.

Slightly medicinal on the nose. In fact, that medicinal note carries onto the palate just a bit. Classic rye spice flavor follows, leading to a medium amount of heat and finish. Solid rye whiskey. 9/28/22 - One of the bottles we tried during our rye whiskey tasting. Musty grain on the nose this time around, followed by a dark fruit note on the palate. Short finish with a minor hug. Still enjoy this one, but for me, their Cask Strength Last Feather Rye is far better.

Advent Calendar blind day 25: I’m getting a bright, fruity, vanilla, heavy wood-grain nose. Then a gentle, full-bodied bourbon middle, but long caramel and tingly ethanol finish.

Good, solid rye. Not quite as good as Last Feather Rye, solid entry with spice and vanilla. Any Journeyman offering is a worthwhile taste or purchase.

Decent rye burn. A little harsh on the nose Rye spice, carmel, and cherries on the palate. Another great whiskey from journeyman’s