RY3 Whiskey Toasted Barrel Finish - Review

The Details

RY3 Whiskey

Rye Whiskey

A Special Blend of 3 Phenomenal Whiskeys

Cask Stregth

Toasted Barrel Finish

Batch: PR#006 / Bottle 145

Handcrafted, Blended and Bottled by

Phenomenal Spirits - Virginia Beach, Virginia

118.8 Proof

Mashbill: Not Specified - A Blend

Price: $80-85

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Appearance: Dark Gold

Nose: Toasted Buttered Rye Bread, Vanilla, Brown Sugar and Cocoa

Palate: Toasted Marshmallows, Dark Chocolate, Baking Spices and Mint Leaf

Finish: Warm viscous and lingering hug with plenty of baking spices

Overall: In case you are reading one of my reviews for the very first time, it's no secret I love toasted finishes. This RY3 Cask Strength Toasted Barrel is no exception. Phenomenally blended Rye with the perfect finish. See what I did there? Without stating the obvious, buttered and toasted rye bread was the first and prominent note I pulled on the nose but that quickly morphed into the more distinct notes of roasted marshmallows, dark chocolate and even a touch of fresh smashed mint leaf. Even with those delectable flavors, the finish is where it's all at for me. The hug, the viscous coating, the baking spices...::chef's kiss:: With the cooler season inching more and more upon us, this is going to be a trusty companion on the porch with a medium to heavy cigar. I've already concluded through extensive personal research that toasted finishes require at least a medium bodied cigar to pull the maximum flavors. Now, pardon me while I continue my research...for science, of course.

Karthik & Matt, thank you kindly for getting this bottle to me to try. You guys are Phenomenal! As always, my reviews are always unbiased and couldn't be any more genuine.

Library Rating: 8.1 / 10

Bushwood Spirits Stillwater Rye - Review

The Details

Bushwood Spirits Stillwater Rye

Premium Straight Rye Whiskey

Batch 1

Black Label

Single Barrel

NAS (No Age Statement)

Bushwood Spirits - Stanford, Kentucky

95 Proof

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Price: ~$90

Poured Neat in a Copita nosing glass - Click Here to order

Appearance: Amber

Nose: Cherries, Bakers Chocolate, Black Pepper and Tobacco

Palate: Dark Fruits forward mellowed by Milk Chocolate, Coffee and Black Tea

Finish: Sweet to a White Pepper Spice. Medium Linger with a medium coating

Overall: Setting up for a slight draw on the tee-box, I didn't know what to expect with this offering from Bushwood Spirits. This one landed in a very safe spot in the center of the green. It's been a while since I've had a pepper tone change from white to dark, but this works quite well. The chocolates and dark fruits also compliment this rye quite well on the palate.

I can see this rye being quite versatile. Neat, on a rock, in a cocktail, you name it. At 95 proof, this one goes down quite easily and may just be the perfect birdie juice for the fall golf season.

As I mentioned in a previous Bushwood Spirits review, this bottle design is top-shelf. From the crystal golf ball topper to the label, it's just too difficult not to reach for this one.

Thank you once again to the great folks at Bushwood Spirits for providing this bottle and keeping the fun in this hobby. Give their website a look by clicking here

Library Rating: 7.9 / 10

Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon (Batch 5) - Review

The Details

Castle & Key

Small Batch Straight Bourbon

Batch 5 - Bottle 01034

Castle & Key Distillery - Frankfort, Kentucky

Aged 4 Years

100 Proof

Mash Bill: 73% White Corn, 10% Rye, 17% Malted Barley

Retail Price: ~$50

Poured Neat in a Copita Nosing Glass - Click Here to order.

Color: Deep Gold

Nose: Ripe Pear, Frosted Flakes Cereal, Tres Leches Cake, Toasted Almonds and light Floral notes

Palate: Creamy Caramel, Nougat, Peanut Butter, Hints of Light Fruits and Honey

Finish: Warm Medium Linger with a slight White Pepper Spice

Overall: I constantly preach that each bottle tells a story. Well, this bottle is no exception. Let's call this a happy little surprise.

Batch 5 demonstrates exactly what consumers want to see with variety and continuous improvement. I hope you don't mind some honesty. I have the first two batches and while they were quite unique, the overall flavor profile missed the mark for my palate. I haven't seen or tried Batches 3 or 4 but I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time for Batch 5. That place was the Wisconsin Whiskey Fest just a couple weeks ago. Wilson and Sheila, representing Castle & Key, were quick to not only greet me a big hug, but to also pour me some of the newest Batch 5. Talk about a complete 180* from the initial batches. I immediately pulled ripe pear notes which turned quickly to a creamy cake on the nose. The palate brought a memory of eating an Abba Zabba candy bar. Nougat and peanut butter followed by some light fruits made for an exceptional mouthfeel. The flavors and overall composition of Batch 5 won me over.

A great big THANK YOU to Wilson and Sheila for being amazing people in this whiskey community and for the very unexpected surprise. K

Library Rating: 8.3 / 10