Traverse City Whiskey Co. North Coast Rye

Nose is fresh pine straw, an old cedar chest and a hint of something floral….not quite jasmine, but almost. Palate is light and almost sweet, but the spice notes keep trying to insist this really is a rye while your brain is waiting to chew on a pine bough that never really shows. It’s like a rye-light…most of the flavors with less of the challenge. Even the spice is more kind; there’s certainly nutmeg and cardamom and anise, but the sharp, hot black pepper is missing completely, and the mint only makes a cameo right at the close. The whole thing is easy like Sunday morning, but much like that relaxing time, there’s also not much happening to keep me coming back. Glad I tried it, but this style of rye is just not my thing. It’s like bourbon without the caramel and rye without the minty pine, and those traits are why i generally drink those spirits.

Nose - vanilla with peppercorn Taste - thicker feel, more vanilla and slight burn on the tongue and throat Finish - rather short for me with not much carry through Score - 3.0 Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate

Aroma has a light chemical/cleaner note to it and comes through sharply with coppery, dilly, spicy rye notes and a rather light oak; Palate is a bit sweeter and less sharp, but still carries a bit of an edge with a dilly, coppery, lemongrass essence that cuts through till it dovetails into the finish; Finish starts sharply lemongrass and softly, though quickly, fades to a coppery fruit.

Nice body and not harsh on initial taste. A little more burn as sips accumulate but not a bad effort! Looking forward to the small barrel which is probably more refined.

This rye is surprisingly easy. No burn anywhere on the tongue. Classic rye notes. Lemon, honey and fresh cut grass. Wood notes like a cigar box.

Downgraded as doesn’t really hold up as well to other rye whiskeys such as Basil Hayden’s.