Stats
Excelsior - Empire Rye
Straight Rye Whiskey
No Age Statement (NAS) - Aged at least 2 Years
96 Proof
Coppersea Distilling - Hudson Valley, NY
Retail Price: $45-$50
Mash Bill: 80% Raw Rye / 20% Malted Barley
Poured Neat in a Glencairn
Color: Gold
Nose: First whiff is the smell of a freshly peeled orange. I gather quite a bit of malty, light oak after a few swirls. The citrus is very prominent with each sniff.
Palate: I was fully expecting that inviting orange from the nose to come over to the palate, but truth be told, I started picking up fresh made milk chocolate pralines. Next, vanilla extract and a holiday spice which I want to call nutmeg, but it could be a touch of cinnamon.
Finish: A nice warm linger down the throat with a smoky coating.
Overall: This is the first expression I've tried from Coppersea Distilling. The word "Excelsior" means "Ever Upwards" and is actually the New York state motto. This pour matches this motto. The nose and palate keep moving "upwards" when sipped. So many more flavors come to the forefront with each taste. This is a unique flavor profile and one I certainly wasn't expecting from a Rye. I'd love to see what a little more time in a barrel would do to this already delightful dram.
Library Rating: 7.3 / 10
I'd like to thank Breanna and the folks at Coppersea for providing this bottle for my unbiased review.