Circle City 12-Year Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 02

Age: 12

Proof: 125.6

Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley

Tasting Notes: The nose smells like the most perfectly baked apple pie, wrapped in soft linens and placed in a cedar chest with a big glass of Mountain Dew next to it. It has plenty of crisp baked apple notes to start, followed by warm caramel, sweet mint-kissed vanilla, aromatic oak, and a unique twist of effervescent citrus soda.

The palate continues those unique, effervescent citrus cola notes from the get-go, moving into freezer Thin Mint cookies, dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, dried cherries, and a coating of maple sweetness with candied sweet oak.

The finish is nice and slow, just like Usher’s 1997 hit. Gobs of molasses and cola concentrate carry through with black pepper, torched orange peel, dried cherry, and caramel Bundt cake, all while continuing that mint-kissed sweet oak.

Awards: Double Platinum & Best In Class American Rye 11+