Pendleton 1910 12 Year Rye Whisky

I am very humbled to be given this as a gift from my brand new sister-in-law, having been the officiant between her and my brother-in-law and having the greatest pleasure of joining them as husband and wife. I was very humbled to hear of their research by reading my reviews to determine my likes and dislikes, and then driving all over the tri-state area to find me a much more overpriced bottle (which is no longer relevant). However, I'm much happier that they settled here, on a rye whiskey from a country who actually knows and appreciates how rye whiskeys should be made, and where something as high as 12 years aged is nothing to them, but unheard of for American ryes (at least under $150). One of these days I will find a cask strength Canadian rye that still has good age to it, but god help me it probably won't be in America. Still though, even with all the water added, this should still be a great tapestry to the rye grain's flavor. The color is fairly dark and slightly lighter than I would expect from 12 years in a barrel, but this is almost certainly from the low proof and all the water added, as well as not knowing what types of barrels were used here. The scent here really reminds me of brandy, as I get a sweetness and even a tiny note of raisin. There's also a moderate amount of vanilla, and thankfully still some classic cinnamon candy. There's a slight vegetal note that does have some cut grass to it, but also a tiny floral notes that is also confusing me. Of course, the body is extremely light, as expected for the proof. The vanilla is the first flavor to emerge, and it hits quite hard, which really overshadows the spiciness of the rye itself, which is only tasted a tiny amount near the finish. The finish is pretty dry, which also distracts from the classic flavors of the rye. There's more barrel character that also rides through the finish, but this time it's more about wood spice than sweetness. Now, I don't believe I've had any other Pendleton products (at least neat), so I don't know if sweet and dry is what they set out to establish here, but as that's what I found here, it was definitely disappointing as a classic rye whiskey. I'm not sure if the high age is how the flavors ended up arriving here, but this does reinforce why I like younger ryes so much; maximum age that I've enjoyed thus far for rye is 6 years. Since I like the harsh, cinnamon, vegetal notes of younger rye grain, I do attribute the long resting in the barrel of this bottle to be at least a major part of why I dislike it. Still, it has a flavor unique enough from all other rye whiskeys that I own that I'm sure it will find it's place. In this case, I probably wouldn't even buy the cask strength version (if that exists), but would rather have a lower age (and also still cask strength).

Surprisingly nutty. The nuttiness is interesting, but is out of place for a rye whiskey and overpowers the sour rye flavor. The rich oiliness could be fun on occasion, but is not fitting for a rye whiskey. Really, this tastes a lot more like a wheat whiskey. I appreciate the fullness and at the end of the day I have to appreciate it for what it is, regardless of what it claims to be. It wouldn't be my first choice to sip, but I would sip it. The dominant flavors are charred wood, butterscotch, tart rye, rancid oily nuttiness, and some vanilla. There is quite a bit of depth and some variation over the life of the drink, but there are some bad flavors of strong alcohol and oil here, as well as some weirdly out of place corn. It's like a bourbon mixed with a rye, but it also tastes like Cruzan Aged Rum. Definitely weird and more interesting than good.

The nose on this is sweet with artificial vanilla striking hard. Candied pineapple, brown sugar, and light spice finish the nose. The taste is very sweet with vanilla, brown sugar, and apricots, mango, and pineapple notes also present. A bit of oak and spice are also present and hit the back of the throat but there is no lingering spice. The finish is lasting but entirely made up of sugary notes. It is extremely crushable and due to the heavy influence of sweet fruit would also likely make a great cocktail rye. I will have to experiment a bit with some cocktails, but I do like it as it is, even though it is on the sweet side. Overall: Nose 3.75/5; Taste: 4.25/5 Overall 4/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Occasional Pour/Mixer Too sweet to add as a daily Drinker

Pendleton Rye, aged 12 years. 40% abv. Canadian whisky bottled in Oregon. 100% Rye. Aroma: all sweet, vanilla/caramel. Taste: Brandy like sweetness dominates, some rye spice, and minor barrel notes. It taste more like a brandy than a rye to me, I will probably revisit this in the future to see if I can get more notes. It is a solid and enjoyable whisky. Cost: 29-30 +tax for a 750 ml bottle. Grade: B range.

Nothing seems to stick around too long in this pour. The nose is subtle and sweet. It doesn't bring much heat to the nose, the pallet or finish. Upon taste, my overriding thoughts are "perfume", sweet and drying. Im a big fan of the regular Pendleton, its my daily after 5pm go to mixed with a Coke Zero. This 12 year bottle probably does better when not having to stand on its own.

An excellent, smooth example of how Rye can be sipped and enjoyed the same as Scotch and Bourbon. Sweet vanilla carries this bottle through with slight caramel and nuttiness. A little pepper on the finish balances this out nicely. However, more a desert drink than anything else. While not a traditional Rye, at the price, there's no reason to pass on it.