Taconic Distillery Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey

ReviewsRye

Sep 10

The 115-Proof version of Taconic’s Founder’s Rye.

Eye: Amber honey, medium rims and medium legs.

Nose: Tight - not out of the ordinary for higher-proof spirits, especially higher-proof ryes. No heat in the nostrils. When the flavors start to eek out, you immediately know this is a rye. Rye bread doughiness and yeastiness comes out. A few minutes and some air really lets the rye open up, with dill leading an herb cascade.

Palate: Now that’s a rye palate! Tons of dill and savory chicken soup herbs - this made me feel comfortable and at home before I could think about it. Once you’re comfortable, this takes you for a complex ride: maple notes emerge from the savory herbs, gently giving way to caramelized banana and vanilla sweetness. Mouthfeel has the tiniest bit of heat but is oily and coats every corner of your mouth.

Finish: Long, herbal, and delicious. Red hots and pure cinnamon goodness at the very end.

Overall: Excellent - this is a rye I highly recommend for anyone looking for a complex pour that explores every note in a rye’s portfolio. The nose, after opening, is fantastic and the finish lasts forever.

Rating: 8.2

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)