Very Olde St. Nick Summer Rye Cask Strength (75cl, 58.7%)

Very Olde St. Nick Summer Rye is a cask strength rye whiskey from Preservation Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, and the seasonal counterpart to the brand's Harvest Rye. The barrels are hand selected and dumped before the peak of the Kentucky summer, before the heat can claim a larger angel's share. The name is a play on the word samurai, nodding to the brand's history with the Japanese export market. It is bottled unfiltered at 117.4 proof (58.7%), a figure that shifts between batches, in a 75cl bottle. The nose is sweet herbs and baking spice over gentle warmth. The palate is vibrant and spicy, with peppery rye, rich vanilla, honey and gentle oak. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice.