NOSE: Spearmint and Rye Grain | White Pepper | Lemon Cake | Ripe Pineapple

TASTE: Spearmint | Sweet Corn | Toasted Rye Bread | Citrus Peel

FINISH: Short and simple

SHARE WITH: Anyone who likes rye or those not used to rye's spiciness.

WORTH THE PRICE: No. There are better ryes at $20 to $30 less. Sixty-nine dollars is a big ask for so simple a whiskey, not to mention one so young. Bottom line is it lacks complexity. The good news is its spice character and intriguing aromas bode well for a really solid whiskey at least two years from now. I'd love to try it then.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. If you like young, medium-proof rye, look for this at a bar. Try it neat as I don't think it'll stand out in a cocktail

OVERALL: This is a decent rye that checks all the boxes required of an American rye whiskey, but it needs more time in the barrel to gain complexity and character to make it worth its $69 price. Only a few drops of water blunted the whole presentation, which also shows its youth (perhaps 2-3 years.)