Sazerac Rye

Sazerac Rye - 1- A bit more traditional on this nose with pleasant bits of orange and perhaps a bit of baking spice and overall a darker and richer nose. coming back a third time I get a bit of traditional oak. the orange on the nose may follow into the palate, and I think it may present as tangerine? I'm getting old fasioned in a glass nose with the orange, a bit of bitterness "bitters" and like a light cherry. Fruit cocktail? The cherry turns syrupy, almost reminiscent of a honey note... combined with the oak its very balanced and I would be happy to sip on this into the evening The last sip I got some superb berry smells, black berry and blueberry. I almost went toward grape koolaid but was immediately brought back to blueberry. The bitterness on the palate has dissappeared and makes this become instantly more favorable. a whisp of smoky char greeted me at the last moment as I finished my last sip.

PICK: Twin Liquors//BARREL #144 NEAT NOSE - oh my goodness. Peach Jam, Butterscotch, Honey, and Caramel. This is one of the best and sweetest smelling ryes that I’ve ever smelt. PALATE - The mouthfeel is velvety with the notes of honey and caramel. The peach jam note is there, but it’s buried in the other two notes whilst the butterscotch is MiA on the palate. The proof is decieving as far as the amount of flavor in this Sazerac Rye. The flavors are just jumping out. It goes down extremely smooth with no hint of spice and no burn. FINISH - smmmmmmmmooooth! No burn whatsoever. BUY? - Absolutely!!! BUY AGAIN?? - I haven’t tried the regular offering, but I’m sure I will. However, to skip on any more barrel picks I may come across would be crazy at this price point. ($30-35)

On the nose, the aromas that immediately come forward are rye spice, vanilla, and smoke. Mint, and tart green apple are also noticeable. The tasting notes that are immediately present are the spices which hit the throat and sit there gently, followed by vanilla and brown sugar that coat the roof of the mouth. A gentle cherry note or perhaps a white grapefruit note is also noticeable. The smoke obtained on the nosing does not come across upon tasting. Further sips bring out a briny salt water note that is stunning. A good rye but pricey in my area and allocated. There are better Canadian ryes out there including anything from Lot 40 for far less money. Nose: 3.5/5 Taste: 4.25/5 Overall 4/5 Repurchase: No Type: Friday Night Pour

Last time I reviewed this, about five years ago, I knocked it for the profile deteriorating over time, probably due to supply constraints and younger whiskey getting shoved in the mix. The profile seemed to vary pretty wildly during those years, to the point where I had two bottles that were so bad they became drain pours. Well, now it's on the shelves more regularly and it seems, at least so far, to be back to form. I've got a handle from Costco for $40, which is already tough to beat at that price point, but it's incredibly sweet and fruity along with the typical baking spices & herbs. It's quite enjoyable neat. Hopefully this trend continues into the future.

👃 obviously a rye. I'll say going in to this, this rye is one of the only ones I enjoy just sipping neat. I might actually prefer cocktails with a rye whiskey, but I don't usually find them as enjoyable to sip on than a good bourbon 👄 At first taste it's lovely, but then the rye takes over and it's still fairly hot for the proof. I'm guessing this stuff is just 4-6 year aged. If you love the rye notes, you won't find a better sipper under $80-$100, but if you like sweet oaky bourbon, this isn't sweet oaky bourbon 🏁 The finish is nice. It still exudes Buffalo Trace vibes, but again, slightly hot for the proof. Doesn't need an ice cube, but it lingers a bit.

Great initial Rye Whiskey! It’s a great bank for the buck with an SRP of $30. It’s sweet, a bit spicy and fruity with a low ABV. On the nose there’s cherry, cinnammon and sweet vanilla. O hint of wax there too, showing a young whiskey with virgin oak maturation only. It’s thin in the mouth. Not so oily or creamy. A little less flavor than aroma, but still bringing the cherry, vanilla and cinnammon along with baking spices like Allspice. The finish is sweet, sugary with a bit of wax. Very easy to drink, no heat and soft. Recommended for new drinkers to feel the difference a Rye Whiskey can bring to the experience. Slainte Mha!