Roknar Rye Whiskey Cognac Cask

This is just not a good whiskey. Before trying it, I read the label: Aged less than 2 years. At that point I had an idea what I was jumping into. The smell is very offputting. It’s a cross between an industrial chemical and a hint of cognac. If you get your nose too close it stings quite a bit. Upon taking a sip, it’s brutal. It’s very harsh. There are notes of what the whiskey would LIKE to become (cognac, the rye sweetness, almost even a black licorice) but the harshness overpowers it all. This is just a young whiskey and unfortunately with the cognac finish, I don’t even think it would mix well. The most rewarding character this has after multiple tastings is the aftertaste. It leaves a refreshingly sweet aftertaste once you’ve suffered through the whiskey. Since my main complaint was how harsh it was I did try a few drops of water which did help a bit. You can really taste the barrel after that. It still doesn’t taste what I’d call “good” but it becomes much more bearable. Leave this one on the shelf.

Slightest underaged oak hint but ok. Not good with Ice Ball. Good char. Small hug and rasp. Cognac evident but subdued. Everything is a factor of the overlying oak. strange since not aged long. Rye spice of course. Caramel sweet... slight.

Very smooth and the flavor builds up to the end. All throughout, there’s a flavor of cut wood similar to the way a fresh, clean sauna smells

Just picked it up. It’s nice. Don’t think I’d want it chilled.