Bottled in Fall 2019, The Senator Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey offers a potent and intricate dance of robust spice and underlying sweetness. This 6-year-old, 116-proof rye delivers a truly expressive and concentrated flavor experience, reflecting careful selection and maturation.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A vibrant and complex nose opens with classic rye spice – assertive black pepper, cinnamon, and a hint of mint. Underlying these are sweet notes of caramel chews, vanilla bean, and dried orange peel, suggesting a well-aged profile despite the rye's inherent punch.

Palate: The palate arrives with a robust and full-bodied presence, courtesy of the 116 proof. A velvety richness coats the mouth, immediately revealing a dynamic interplay of sugary oak, toasted almond, and dark chocolate. The rye spice follows, manifesting as cracked black pepper, caraway, and a subtle herbaceousness, balanced by a deep, molasses-like sweetness and a touch of ripe stone fruit (cherry, apricot).

Finish: A long, warming, and ultimately satisfying finish. The spice lingers, evolving into a pleasant baking spice warmth with notes of star anise and nutmeg. Dry oak tannins emerge gently, perfectly complementing the fading sweetness of brown sugar and a whisper of espresso. The high proof leaves a pleasant, lingering heat without being overwhelming.