Masterson's Rye

[jburlowski]

John, what's a bottle run approximately?

Have not seen any in these parts.

IIRC, about $63... I could be off by a few $.

[MacinJosh]

I saw a Masterson's Rye at TPS when I was in your area the other day John. I didn't see anywhere on the box indicating which batch it is. Any insight?

[jburlowski]

I saw a Masterson's Rye at TPS when I was in your area the other day John. I didn't see anywhere on the box indicating which batch it is. Any insight?

The one I got (from TPS) was Batch 3. it's written on the front of the bottle right below the label.

[MacinJosh]

The one I got (from TPS) was Batch 3. it's written on the front of the bottle right below the label.

Well that might explain why I couldn't see it. The bottle was in the box and there was no way to see the front label without opening it.

[MacinJosh]

John B. was kind enough to send me a sample of batch #3. The following are my thoughts.

Masterson's Rye Batch #3. 10yr, 100% Canadian Rye, 45% (90 proof)


Color: Light brown with a yellow tint.


Nose: Soft and perfumey, the scents slowly elevate from the glass. Nothing overpowering here. Baked rye bread, ginger snaps, and coffee cake. This is a very elegant, easy nose that deserves your time. A touch of cinnamon butter and a hint of nutmeg. Outstanding!


Taste: Very subtle, soft, spicy entry. A quick dash of pepper that rapidly changes to toasted rye bread. Ground turmeric and dry mustard emerge and give this one an earthy, slightly pungent, bitter flavor up front. This note has faded with the 3rd and 4th sip as well as some time in the glass, but it's still present. Allspice and ground cardamon spring up mid-palate. Baking spices play throughout with a soft hint of oregano on exit.


Finish: Mildly bitter with notes of bay leaf and cloves. Medium length, there is the slightest tangy, dill weed presence as this one begins to fade.


Rating: This was so close to being an epic rye and another stellar offering from Alberta, Canada. It has an exceptional nose and a very well rounded, refined palate. But that bitter turmeric, dry mustard note cannot be denied and lurks within every sip. Unfortunately, this is a deal breaker for me. I know this one frequently gets lumped in with Whistle Pig and Jefferson's, but to my palate, it is night and day different. Whistle Pig is still head of the class with Jefferson's coming in 2nd and Masterson's bringing up the rear. This aligns with my previous assessment of Masterson's Batch #1 as I came to the same conclusion. In the end, I'm still reaching for the Whistle Pig with the Jefferson's not too far behind. I'm scoring this one an 85.

Thanks for the sample John!!!!