If you know me you know I love rye and so when this, the Sonoma Rye Whiskey, arrived in the mail it made my day. I had initially tried it at Whisky Live and immediately took a liking to it and if you like rye spice you might too because it’s got it in droves. It does taste a bit young, but with the powerful rye spice kicking through it definitely keeps it from being anything but boring.

Made from 100% rye, double distilled in a traditional Alembic pot still and finished in used bourbon barrels these guys are doing everything they can to be modern in attitude and approach yet traditional in technique and execution. It’s honestly great to see and these are one of the craft distilleries I’m excited to watch over the next couple years.

Sonoma Rye Whiskey Review

Batch: 5
Bottle: 1302

ABV: 48%
Age: NAS
Price: $53*
Distiller: Sonoma County Distilling
Mashbill: 100% Rye

EYE
Dark caramel

NOSE
Rye spice explodes out of the glass followed by a nice caramel, some caky vanilla notes and cinnamon. There is a bit of dill hanging out in the background with a bit of citrus.

PALATE
Kablam! The rye accelerates across the palate towing some dill, caramel, cinnamon and vanilla. Some raw grain notes float about on the end before moving into the finish.

FINISH
The grains on the tail end of the palate push along the aftertaste with some dill and caramel on a long slow journey.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good balance with the rye spice providing a solid plane for the other flavors to mix on. Medium body that’s smooth and drinkable without any more heat than you’d except.

OVERALL
Like the 2nd Chance Wheat I enjoy drinking this one neat and it holds up on the rocks, but I’m in love with what the 100% rye mash bill brings to a Manhattan. This is in no way a dig, but this is seriously one of the best cocktail ryes I’ve had and the mega dose of spice makes it so that minimal bitters is needed in an Old Fashioned. When it comes to sitting on the porch sipping whiskey I like a little more wood influence in what I’m drinking, but when I’m making a cocktail for chilling out and reading comic books or writing for the site I want bold flavors that balance well with other ingredients and this definitely delivers. Hello versatility.

SCORE: 85/100

*Disclosure: This was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

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