Mayor Pingree 5 Year Orange Label Single Barrel Rye

I was always a fan of Valentine Vodka, but was a little skeptical on the whiskey and rye. Turns out that the Mayor is a pretty nice dram. This one is a 5 yr barrel proof offering and I jumped at the chance to grab a bottle. These were single barrels so each will be a bit different. The nose on this is really nice. It leans much more towards the sweetness you expect from a bourbon than a traditonal rye. The first sip of this is hot. The proof definitely comes through, but it is a great wash of flavors. Heavy caramel mixed with the spice of rye are abundant. The finish is brings a rush of heat that definitely lingers. Overall this little distillery in Michigan keeps putting some really nice bottles out there. Don't be scared off by a Michigan bottle, these definitely hold their own.

Store pick single barrell. Very unique. Lot of pine and sap on the nose. Surprised me, but I really enjoyed nosing this one. Very thick mouth feel. Syrup comes through strong at first, then the pine hits as well. And something else I cannot quite pick out. But good overall on the palate. Pepper dominates the long finish. Sits in mouth in a pleasant way. I like this, but will need to taste again in a few weeks.

Nose is wurthers original candy, peanut brittle, no real baking spice or rye spice on the nose. Very sweet nose for a rye. Taste is hot. Candied apple, bitter walnut, alittle bit of lemon peel, slightly chalky mouthfeel. Retronasally I get some clove. Palate is tingly from the proof. After taste is sweet like corn syrup with a little bit of citrus.