Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye Whiskey (75cl, 40%)

Hot Honey Rye is a flavoured rye whiskey from Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Purcellville, Virginia, bottled at 40% ABV in a 75cl bottle. The base is the distillery's pot-stilled 100% rye whisky, Roundstone Rye, blended with three Virginia honeys (wildflower, clover and buckwheat) and an infusion of habanero chile peppers. The distillery uses no artificial flavourings. It began as a Barrel Select offering in 2022 and later became a permanent part of the range. Real honey leads on the nose and palate, floral and rich, over rye spice and toasty cereal. The palate is smooth and sweet with a viscous weight, and the peppers then arrive with a lift of heat.