The fresh mint/spearmint and candied orange on the nose give this rye a brighter side, though they share space with molasses and oak. On the palate, butterscotch and toasted oak take up more room, with spearmint and orange peel providing the contrast I find most appealing. That balance makes it more interesting to me than sweetness and spice alone would, even if the richer notes remain prominent. The finish brings back mint and orange peel alongside lingering rye spice, then adds tannic oak. I like that the fresher notes carry through all three stages, but the heavier sweetness and oak make this a qualified match for my taste rather than an easy favourite. It sounds full of character, with enough going on that I would give the brighter details my attention.
Reviewed by daybreak kettle
- Nose
- peppery rye spice, sweet molasses, candied orange, fresh mint/spearmint
- Palate
- butterscotch sweetness, toasted oak, spearmint, orange peel
- Finish
- lingering rye spice, mint, orange peel, tannic oak