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RY3 16 Year Light Whiskey - Review


The Details

RY3 Whiskey

Light Whiskey

Single Barrel

Aged 16 Years

Cask Strength

Limited Edition

Batch: PR#008 / Bottle 104

Handcrafted, Blended and Bottled by

Phenomenal Spirits - Virginia Beach, Virginia

68.6 ABV / 137.2 Proof

Mashbill: Not Specified

Price: $95


Poured Neat in a Stölzle Nosing Glass


Appearance: Light Golden Amber


Nose: Caramel Coffee Cake, Vanilla Custard, Flakey Pastry


Palate: Creamy Caramel, Vanilla Pound Cake, Buttered Roll, Touch of Holiday Spice


Finish: Warm, Lingering and Viscous with a White Pepper Spice.


Overall: Have you ever been hugged so perfectly you just didn't want to be released? Well, the term "hug" in whiskey pertains to the warmth, linger and full experience on the palate. That's what is going on here. A full and embracing hug. The dessert-like sweet flavors are on full display here as well. The 137.2 Proof shouldn't be viewed as deterrent to any mid or lower proof fanatics out there. Give it a taste and see for yourself. I try not to use the phrase, "it doesn't drink its proof", but this is a clear example of why that phrase is such a cliché.


Some may not be well versed when it comes to Light Whiskey. What is it? What makes it Light? Is it a diet option? Well, a couple things to consider:

1) Distilled between 160 and 190 Proof, whereas Bourbon must be distilled below 160.

2) Must be aged in new and uncharred oak containers OR used oak containers, whereas Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak containers.

The flavors tend to come across as a "lighter" or sweeter tone due to the wood sugars and chemical reactions being mostly spent on those used barrels/containers. Also, Light Whiskey tends to carry a higher age statement most of the time because of the lack of reaction in these secondary or new uncharred containers/barrels.


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: 8.5 / 10

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