Smoke Wagon Malted Straight Rye Whiskey

Apparently MGP started their malted rye in 2013, so there is a possibility that this could be around (or at least contain) 9 yr old whiskey which along with the unusual mashbill, makes me intrigued. Let’s see how it checks in: Aroma has a lot of familiar rye notes of lemon pepper, spearmint, rye spice, and caraway seed, but there’s a few more interesting notes as well starting with a leafy herb (Oregano? Thyme? Sage?), croissant, butter, and a candy note which at first I couldn’t place but then presented itself as red Twizzlers. Ethanol is low for the proof, which is nice. Palate is…kinda wild. Ok, stay with me here; take traditional rye flavors of mint, lemongrass, pepper, and grain, and dunk them in chocolate. More of a clash between the herbal and sweet than say a barely legal 51% rye, but with more intensity of both flavors. Weird but good. Rushes quickly toward the finish without much mid-palate action. Finish takes a more traditional rye path with a lot of white pepper spice, mint, and tannic oak. There is indeed a malt note which lingers underneath and manifests in a way which is less malted milk ball, and more malt liquor/beer. Mouthfeel is grainy, dry, and abrasive, which makes me rethink the notion that this might be comprised of older whiskey. Repeated sips of my tasting pour had me thinking I had sanded my tongue. Normally I don’t write this much about mouthfeel, but this was a serious flaw for me and a real detraction and I can’t help but think that some more softness and body would have worked wonders. Overall a somewhat likable oddity, but that isn’t enough to truly impress. Went from a great nose, to a decent palate, to a lousy finish. At 79.99, there is just better whiskey (and better rye whiskey specifically) readily available. Not a rebuy.

Nose: I get honey and baking spices up front. Followed by brown sugar and caramel. Palate: a slight honey note, rye spice turned way up. Black pepper, touch of fennel Finish: long lasting Overall: this is a terrific rye. It’s spice, earth and sweet. It’s very vicious and mouth coating. Whatever they are doing at this distillery in the desert it’s working. This is delicious.

Conflicted about this one. Really unique and standout flavors - spicy rye and mint dueling with citrus and fruit and an earthy grain flavor I’m guessing is from the malted barley. The proof and mix of flavors are a bit much and harsh on the finish, though, even watered down. Not a repeat buy for me but very unique. Great in blind tastings.

Color: Dark honey Nose: Dill, ethanol, vanilla, rye bread Taste: Sweet caramel corn transitions into dill mint and spice, oily mouthfeel as it opens up Finish: Mint, mild spice, vanilla, moderate length Rating: 8.5/10 Value: 8/10

Lovely. Malty, cereal and non-overly sweet on the palate initially to really highlight the wonderful barley. Then the spicy, hot, rye finish. Fun.

Spicey caramel notes, hits your taste buds like spicey spoonful of fruity pebbles and finishes hot spicey and minty