Woodford Reserve – Kentucky Straight Rye (75cl, 45.2%)

This is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey from Woodford Reserve, bottled at 45.2% (90.4 proof). It follows a pre-Prohibition approach, with 53% rye in the mash bill, which puts spice and tobacco ahead of the fruit, floral and sweet aromas. The colour is a rich honey. The nose is spicy, with rye, black pepper, cedar and cassia bark sweetened by a dusting of marzipan, and hints of pear, apple and almond. On the palate come clove, rye, mint, molasses, sorghum and honey, with touches of apple and malt. The finish is long and sweetly spiced.