McKenzie Single Barrel Rye (Roc Elite The Open)

The nose starts off gently with earthy rye and a wonderful freshness to it, presumably from the cider cask finish. It remains mostly rye forward as subtle notes of cake and dark chocolate come out. The palate is equally as gentle, as earthy rye and dark chocolate slowly coat the mouth, as vanilla and touches of dry cider come in behind. It is quite dessert like, giving a wonderful richness that is very easy to drink and has an incredible simplicity to it. When it comes down to it, it is rye with the right amount of supporting notes in the background. The finish is long and mildly spicy, with hints of charred and dark chocolate swirling around the mouth. This is quite the masterpiece of a rye, the cider cask finish being just subtle enough to offset the spiciness. A real treat for sure.