What rye are you drinking or purchased 2024

[Wedelstaedt]

2 hours ago, Kepler said:

 

Happy fRyeday!

Traded for this one several years back and it's high time I open 'er up.  Loving it already.

 

And for all you Amblers out there (you know who you are)...

 

Ooooh, it’s a Sarah to boot. 
 

Happy FRyeDay

Edited November 23, 2024 by Wedelstaedt
Added Salutation

[Wedelstaedt]

Tonight, we are finally getting some seasonal cool weather. So, I thought what a perfect time to open up my first Port Finished Rye. 
I really do like Sagamore products, I’m confident, this one will not change that. 
 

Happy FRyeDay fellow SBr’s 

[NDN98]

Never tried this one, but picked this one up on the recommendation of a friend and will crack it over the holiday weekend.

[Mattk]

Happy  Thanksgiving SB. I'm having a maple lawn pick rittenhouse with a slice of pumpkin pie and it is just heavenly.

[Skinsfan1311]

On 11/28/2024 at 12:11 PM, NDN98 said:

Never tried this one, but picked this one up on the recommendation of a friend and will crack it over the holiday weekend.

Dammit!

 

I passed on this one a couple of weeks ago, but I stopped in a state store on the way to the farm and couldn't help myself.

I suck at the whole not buying thing...

[Mattk]

1 hour ago, Skinsfan1311 said:

Dammit!

 

I passed on this one a couple of weeks ago, but I stopped in a state store on the way to the farm and couldn't help myself.

I suck at the whole not buying thing...

What state?

[Skinsfan1311]

19 minutes ago, Mattk said:

What state?

PA.

They call them "Fine Wine & Spirits"  but it's a state store.  It's the one in Bedford on route 30.  They still have Booker's for $99.00.  Prices are odd....some are MSRP,  and some are higher. They seem to always have Dad's Hat whiskey on sale.

[Mattk]

57 minutes ago, Skinsfan1311 said:

PA.

They call them "Fine Wine & Spirits"  but it's a state store.  It's the one in Bedford on route 30.  They still have Booker's for $99.00.  Prices are odd....some are MSRP,  and some are higher. They seem to always have Dad's Hat whiskey on sale.

I make it up to the Shrewsbury location sometimes. Thanks.

[Skinsfan1311]

21 minutes ago, Mattk said:

I make it up to the Shrewsbury location sometimes. Thanks.

NP!  I paid $99.00 & I think that's MSRP.

If I wasn't hunting tomorrow,  I'd crack it!

[scratchline]

On 11/29/2024 at 3:25 PM, Skinsfan1311 said:

Dammit!

 

I passed on this one a couple of weeks ago, but I stopped in a state store on the way to the farm and couldn't help myself.

I suck at the whole not buying thing...

If this is as good as the 10 year I bought and opened today, you made the right move.  This was a total impulse/splurge purchase for me but I haven't tasted a rye that I liked this much in a very long time.  Tempted to go back and buy more regardless of the price.  Great bottle.

 

[Skinsfan1311]

1 hour ago, scratchline said:

If this is as good as the 10 year I bought and opened today, you made the right move.  This was a total impulse/splurge purchase for me but I haven't tasted a rye that I liked this much in a very long time.  Tempted to go back and buy more regardless of the price.  Great bottle.

 

Thanks! 

Looking forward to it.

[Mattk]

Pour or two of rbr. After the shopping adventure I had it really hits the spot. Only bottle I bought today was a meletti cioccolato for the wife.

[Kepler]

Last night I had a couple pours of RRSiB Rye.  This one has become one of my very favorite rye whiskey bottles.

[Skinsfan1311]

A little pour of a Pennsylvania style rye after spending long, cold day in the PA woods.

 

[Mattk]

Today was brutal cold for the first time here this winter. So I'm having a Bardstown origin rye while making a pot of chili.

[Richnimrod]

2 hours ago, Mattk said:

Today was brutal cold for the first time here this winter. So I'm having a Bardstown origin rye while making a pot of chili.

 

I took a chance on a bottle of this last time in B'town.   I like it quite well!   And, I'm sure it went well with the appropriate-for-the-weather 'pot of chili'.   Good on ya'!

[markandrex]

Sticking with the JDSBBP but making it a rye for Fryeday.

[Kepler]

Today I seeded some annual winter grass in the back yard to keep decent ground cover going during the winter months where the dog beats down the grass.

 

And I put up outside Christmas decorations and yard ornaments in the front yard.

Now I'm in the Christmas spirit.  But I have a sore back.  I happen to have the perfect medicine for my condition.

Happy FRyeday.

 

[Kepler]

The HW Midwinter 5 was tasting so good tonight I decided to do an impromptu SBS with the other two port finished ryes I have open on my bar.  Brief notes below

 

Whiskeys: 

HW Midwinter Act 5 scene 5 - 98.6 proof

HW Midwinter Act 8 scene 2 -  98.6 proof

Sagamore Port Finish batch 3A - 103 proof

 

Nose:  HW5 > Sag3A > HW8

The character of the HW and the Sagamore nose are different.  The Sagamore has a much more fruit-forward nose and you can smell the port barrel influence right away.  The HW nose is not fruity, more spice forward.  The Act 8 was so muted in comparison to the Act 5 that I rank it 3rd behind the Sagamore.  The Sagamore could easily be first on the nosing if you prefer fruitiness over spice.

 

Palate:  HW5 > HW8 > Sag3A

Just as I suspected, the Act 5 blew the others out of the water.  It's more a battle for 2nd place.  Personally, I prefer the High West "winter spice" notes (my term) I get from the MWND, so I ranked the Act 8 second and the Sagamore third.  Act 8 is similar in flavor to the Act 5, but lacks the mouthfeel and depth.   But the Sagamore Port is no slouch and is a very fine rye on its own merit.  I can see that some people might prefer the taste of the Sagamore Port over the HW.

 

Finish:  HW5 > Sag3A> HW8

The Act 5 dominates on the finish as well.  The superior depth and extra rye spice kick gives it a finish that goes on and on.  The Sagmore's extra proof probably helps it here, and also has a long finish.  As for the HW Act 8, compared to the Act 5 the finish is more "prickly spice," which comes across as heat, whereas the Act 5 is pure "winter spice" goodness.  I'll put the HW Act 8 third here -- nice flavor on the finish, but it's relatively short compared to the other two.  In my opinion, High West should consider bumping up the proof level on the new Midwinter releases, to compensate for the decrease in depth of flavor.  It might help offset the decline a bit.

 

A lot of people say the Sagamore Port is a good substitute for HW MWND, ... and I basically agree.  If the HW is hard to find or priced too high (I have no idea what MSRP is these days because I quit buying the latest releases ...what are we on now, Act 10?), then I would recommend the Sagamore Port in a heartbeat.  However, they are different in taste, and for me, as good as the Sagamore is, it still does not replicate the unique spice notes in the HW that I really enjoy as a Christmas season pour.  The Sagamore is a great pour, and a very fine substitute for Midwinter .... but it's still a substitute for me IMO .  Granted, it's probably not fair to even talk about the Sagamore as a "substitute" because because it stands on its own quality.  I stand corrected.

Another thing about availability, ... honestly, in my neck of the woods (Texas) the Sagamore Port is possibly even harder to find than the Midwinter.  YMMV.

 

Sorry for the long post, I started this thinking I'd just have a few lines of my basic impressions - but it turned into an extended sbs.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 7, 2024 by Kepler

[Anwalt]

Fryeday with Obree in San Juan.

1) The crazy Tasmanian rye (Belgrove) was quite good and very distinct. The use of the heartwood made it functionally finished, imparted a pleasant flavor, but not overdone like many of the Amburanas where the wood just overpowers everything. It benefited from 45 minutes in the glass and opened up nicely. It definitely drank hot.

 

2) The PHC 17 was by far the best. Flavorful, complex, nutty (but a softer feel than Beam, not peanuts, perhaps [not perhaps, definitely, remarked Obree] almonds or hazelnuts), viscous, drank way below proof. I want more. I would pay the $300 secondary for this one. I know, I know.

 

3) The 15y Nelson Bros also did better after 30 - 40 minutes of breathing. I liked it a good bit more than Obree...he described it as "earthy". [remark Obree, I get a strong earthy note in the palate, it does fade a bit after having it in the glass for a while though] I liked the oak & age. I've never had a rye of that age, still figuring that out, lots to unwrap. Replace it at distillery cost of $300? Probably not quite that good.

 

4) THH was very good. Not worth secondary of $400 given other options.

 

5) The HH G2G was surprisingly good, especially given the "meh" reviews. Easy drinker, lots of flavor for the proof, drank well even as a neck pour. I'd be shocked if it were the same mash bill as the PHC17, much more rye in my view.

 

6) The Old Overholt 10 continues to be a hit. Sweeter, viscous, clearly a Beam product with that peanuty finish. Happy to pay $100 all day long.

 

7) The Catcher's Rye surprised Obree as much as did me when I first tried it. An unknown distiller, very young, oddly drank below proof. A steal for the $60 they charged, I look forward to older expressions...this was probably 2 or maybe 3 years. Thanks to Faster Horses for sending one my way, and for getting more when I went "Wait. What? More!". We looked at what else they make, probably not my jam...looks to be "distill this stuff to stay in business while what we really want to do ages" with "what we really want to do is rye".

 

8 Obree was very pleasantly surprised by the BBC WV rye (I love it, see the bottle level). He especially loved the nose. Frighteningly drinkable, as in male version of "OMG, these Moscow Mules have no alcohol, I'll like have ten <thud>". The finish from the cherrywood is just right. Drinks more like a bourbon than a rye, not sure as to what % is Indiana rye vs Canadian whiskey. But they got it right. I can usually get these online for < $100, I'll do that all day. 

 

9) The Stellum was quite good (I like their Fibonacci as well). Given that those are available for < $100 (sometimes as low as $50) online, very good bang for the buck ratio. Very drinkable, reasonable proof, beaucoup flavor. Curious as to the mashbill.

 

10) The MWND was <blech>. We did not finish it. I don't get the hype other than "the older bottles were well sourced"...The Willett story, 2.0, it seems. I hope it opens up well, will let that bottle sit for a few months. May end up as the priciest cocktail mix ever.

 

11) Curacao finished Solomon Scott (with a cigar). The finish punched through the smoke. Unique. Unlike other finishes (Amburana, Curacao, etc.), this was nicely & lightly done (though not as well done as a JMCB, that's still the standard for finishes in my view). It did not overpower the whiskey. Unique, not in a bad way. Like many finished whiskeys, should be the last one as it'll blow the palate (assuming the prior ten pours did not....).

 

Aside from the MWND, everything was quite good. Most of them are a "what am I in the mood for" drink. Except the PHC17, I am always in the mood for that.

 

[Richnimrod]

5 hours ago, Anwalt said:

7) The Catcher's Rye surprised Obree as much as did me when I first tried it. An unknown distiller, very young, oddly drank below proof. A steal for the $60 they charged, I look forward to older expressions...this was probably 2 or maybe 3 years. Thanks to Faster Horses for sending one my way, and for getting more when I went "Wait. What? More!". We looked at what else they make, probably not my jam...looks to be "distill this stuff to stay in business while what we really want to do ages" with "what we really want to do is rye".

 

As to that Catcher's Rye...

It's made right near me in good ole Detroit, Michigan.     About 10-or-so years ago, a friend who used to post here regularly, Josh (also local, at least back in the day), arranged a distillery tour of Two James Distillery (right near old Tiger Stadium, if I recall correctly.   We were among the first to tour the place, maybe the very first, dunno.   Anyway, Everybody who tasted their several different unaged offerings as part of the tour agreed that the rye new make was quite good, and had excellent possibilities for a worthwhile dram when appropriately aged.    As far as I know it's easily acquired locally.    I have a bottle (my second) in the closet.    Although it isn't likely to outshine some offerings with more age from the majors, and maybe a few others, I find it decent, for what it is.   I think I [paid about $50; but, it's been a couple years, I guess.

[Kepler]

7 hours ago, Anwalt said:

Fryeday with Obree in San Juan.

1) The crazy Tasmanian rye (Belgrove) was quite good and very distinct. The use of the heartwood made it functionally finished, imparted a pleasant flavor, but not overdone like many of the Amburanas where the wood just overpowers everything. It benefited from 45 minutes in the glass and opened up nicely. It definitely drank hot.

 

2) The PHC 17 was by far the best. Flavorful, complex, nutty (but a softer feel than Beam, not peanuts, perhaps [not perhaps, definitely, remarked Obree] almonds or hazelnuts), viscous, drank way below proof. I want more. I would pay the $300 secondary for this one. I know, I know.

 

3) The 15y Nelson Bros also did better after 30 - 40 minutes of breathing. I liked it a good bit more than Obree...he described it as "earthy". [remark Obree, I get a strong earthy note in the palate, it does fade a bit after having it in the glass for a while though] I liked the oak & age. I've never had a rye of that age, still figuring that out, lots to unwrap. Replace it at distillery cost of $300? Probably not quite that good.

 

4) THH was very good. Not worth secondary of $400 given other options.

 

5) The HH G2G was surprisingly good, especially given the "meh" reviews. Easy drinker, lots of flavor for the proof, drank well even as a neck pour. I'd be shocked if it were the same mash bill as the PHC17, much more rye in my view.

 

6) The Old Overholt 10 continues to be a hit. Sweeter, viscous, clearly a Beam product with that peanuty finish. Happy to pay $100 all day long.

 

7) The Catcher's Rye surprised Obree as much as did me when I first tried it. An unknown distiller, very young, oddly drank below proof. A steal for the $60 they charged, I look forward to older expressions...this was probably 2 or maybe 3 years. Thanks to Faster Horses for sending one my way, and for getting more when I went "Wait. What? More!". We looked at what else they make, probably not my jam...looks to be "distill this stuff to stay in business while what we really want to do ages" with "what we really want to do is rye".

 

8 Obree was very pleasantly surprised by the BBC WV rye (I love it, see the bottle level). He especially loved the nose. Frighteningly drinkable, as in male version of "OMG, these Moscow Mules have no alcohol, I'll like have ten <thud>". The finish from the cherrywood is just right. Drinks more like a bourbon than a rye, not sure as to what % is Indiana rye vs Canadian whiskey. But they got it right. I can usually get these online for < $100, I'll do that all day. 

 

9) The Stellum was quite good (I like their Fibonacci as well). Given that those are available for < $100 (sometimes as low as $50) online, very good bang for the buck ratio. Very drinkable, reasonable proof, beaucoup flavor. Curious as to the mashbill.

 

10) The MWND was <blech>. We did not finish it. I don't get the hype other than "the older bottles were well sourced"...The Willett story, 2.0, it seems. I hope it opens up well, will let that bottle sit for a few months. May end up as the priciest cocktail mix ever.

 

11) Curacao finished Solomon Scott (with a cigar). The finish punched through the smoke. Unique. Unlike other finishes (Amburana, Curacao, etc.), this was nicely & lightly done (though not as well done as a JMCB, that's still the standard for finishes in my view). It did not overpower the whiskey. Unique, not in a bad way. Like many finished whiskeys, should be the last one as it'll blow the palate (assuming the prior ten pours did not....).

 

Aside from the MWND, everything was quite good. Most of them are a "what am I in the mood for" drink. Except the PHC17, I am always in the mood for that.

 

Nice write up.  What's Bardstown "WV?"

I have the PHC, Stellum Fibonacci, and OO10 on hand yet to open.  I've tasted the OO10 via a sample and I agree with your notes.  And which act number is the HWMD?  I can't quite read it but it looks like 12?

 

 

 

Edited December 7, 2024 by Kepler
typo, WV not VW

[Anwalt]

52 minutes ago, Kepler said:

 

Nice write up.  What's Bardstown "WV?"

I have the PHC, Stellum Fibonacci, and OO10 on hand yet to open.  I've tasted the OO10 via a sample and I agree with your notes.  And which act number is the HWMD?  I can't quite read it but it looks like 12?

 

 

 

 

BBC collaboration with West Virginia Great Barrel Company Blended Rye Finished in Infrared Toasted Cherrywood Barrels.  https://www.breakingbourbon.com/review/bardstown-bourbon-company-west-virginia-great-barrel-co

 

HWMD Act 12, Scene 3, a pretty recent one.

 

[Anwalt]

2 hours ago, Richnimrod said:

As to that Catcher's Rye...

 

The one I got was a store pick...and I think they knew what they were doing. I did not realize they'd been around for so long, appreciate the feedback as always. I'd hope they have some aged rye, I need to look into it. It'd be a pity if this young one - so promising - had not been followed by some older siblings. 

[Kepler]

18 minutes ago, Anwalt said:

 

BBC collaboration with West Virginia Great Barrel Company Blended Rye Finished in Infrared Toasted Cherrywood Barrels.  https://www.breakingbourbon.com/review/bardstown-bourbon-company-west-virginia-great-barrel-co

 

HWMD Act 12, Scene 3, a pretty recent one.

 

Ok cool, thanks Anwalt