Rare Character Limited Release Rye (75cl, 61.8%)

This is a cask-strength American rye whiskey from the independent bottler Rare Character, bottled at 61.8% in a 75cl bottle. It is a hand-selected blend of rye barrels aged from six years to just under eight, sourced from rickhouses in Kentucky and Indiana, then aged further and bottled in Kentucky without added water. Each barrel was judged for bold spice, herbal character and depth before it joined the blend. The nose brings rye spice, clove, black pepper and vanilla, with dried cherry and orange peel. The palate runs from caramel and dark maple to rye grain, dark fruit, cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long, with baking spice, oak and a dry, peppery close.