A surprisingly smooth, breads rye whiskey with a terrific pepper pop. The color is a lovely light butterscotch, an honest barrel color without added caramel. The vanilla offers vanilla, and baking rye bread. The attack is surprisingly soft, almost like a wheat whiskey rather than a rye. The distillery says it “begins with a Prohibition-style grain build that allows for a sweeter alternative to the more modern rye whiskey,” and that comes through up front. The palate is nutty, and mild, with dark-roasted hazelnuts, espresso, and vanilla. The rye makes its appearance on the mid-palate, with a blast of black pepper and a mouthful of freshly baked black bread. The peppery bite lingers. This is good rye at a great price. Highly Recommended. 90 points. DBH
WHO: Twelve O’Five Distillery
WHAT: Rye Whiskey
ALCOHOL: 45%
WHERE: Indianapolis, Indiana
HOW MUCH: $45
POINTS: 90