Old Carter Rye Batch 5

I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Sherri Carter in the Spring of 2019. Warm-hearted folks with a genuine appreciation for exceptional whiskey and wine. I tasted four of their releases and quickly realized their talents. Here’s 2020’s Old Carter Rye (Indiana) batch 5.

Pour: Old Carter Straight Rye Whiskey batch 5
Proof: 115.5
Age: at least 4 years
Color: rosy copper
Nose: tangelo peel, fruity caramel, mint tea, dill
Taste: tart fruit cocktail, dense herbal spice, citrus punch
Finish: long & zesty – tangy oak, orange-vanilla frosting, white pepper

Overall: There are countless Indiana (MGP) straight rye whiskeys on the market today. Due to youth or imperfect barrel selection, the grand majority pale in comparison to Old Carter Rye batch 5. The downside is its $199 price tag, but I don’t regret a penny.

Rating: Delightful.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye

Several days ago, I reviewed Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof, an excellent TN Whiskey (BOURBON). Today, I’m giving Jack Daniel’s “Special Release” Barrel Proof Rye a go. I’ve heard nothing but good things – different levels of good, but good nonetheless. Let’s pour!

Pour: Jack Daniel’s SiB Barrel Proof Rye 20-06941
Proof: 131.9
Age: not stated
Color: deep rosy copper
Nose: hummingbird cake, vanilla pudding, blood orange
Taste: rye pancakes, thick molasses, boozy citrus
Finish: long & intense – dark-fruity caramel, lemon-pepper, holiday spice

Overall: Folks, this is a grand slam. The viscosity, the depth, the complexity, the balance … it carries it effortlessly at a remarkably palatable 131.9 proof. It’s a single-barrel release, so there’s always that; but, if you see this rye don’t sleep on it.

Rating: Outstanding.

Wilderness Trail Settlers Select Rye

I was first introduced to Wilderness Trail in early 2019 with their bottled-in-bond bourbon. While a solid whiskey for the age (one I’ll revisit soon), it wasn’t a bottle I made immediate plans to purchase. But rye … wonders can be done in four years. So, I rolled the dice.

Pour: Wilderness Trail Settlers Select Rye (b. 15121)
Proof: 115
Age: 4 years
Color: rich amber
Nose: lemon squares, vanilla frosting, citrus tea
Taste: “prickly” caramel drizzle, herbal spice, sweet mint
Finish: moderately long – singed orange peel, clove gum, bright pepper

Overall: To classify Wilderness Trail Settlers Select Rye as impressive is merely scratching the surface. This is an incredibly tasty, high-quality whiskey. Not a hint of one note I’d consider typical craft; not an ounce of regret buying this bottle.

Rating: So damn good.

J. P. Wiser’s Rye

I spotted a J. P. Wiser’s Blended Canadian Rye 50ml mini bottle at my local bottle shop the other day and thought, why not? I’ve been continually impressed with Dr. Don, and Lot 40 Cask Strength is amazing. J. P. Wiser’s Rye should at least be solid, right? We shall see.

Pour: J. P. Wiser’s Blended Canadian Rye Whisky
Proof: 80
Age: not stated
Color: straw
Nose: dried apricot, pear, honeydew melon
Taste: lemon icing, cake batter, freshly cut pine
Finish: moderately short – fruit rollup, bitter-sour “zing,” astringent oak

Overall: Not exactly what I was expecting. Manageable, yet not very pleasant all the same. I’m no Canadian whisky expert, but I’m assuming J. P. Wiser’s Rye is an everyday mixing whisky. Even if, with that finish you might want to venture out a bit.

Rating: Seek wiser options.