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Whiskey Review: Alley 6 Rye Whiskey

We review Alley 6 Rye Whiskey, a new release from a grain-to-glass distillery in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of Sonoma Valley.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Nose:
So interesting! Ryes often have a spicy, peppery nose to me, and this doesn’t. It’s more like a visit to a tropical island: Hints of sugar, vanilla, roasted fruit, almost chewy. Like pineapple upside down cake. , but less so on the /
Palate:
Ah, here is where that rye spice comes in. It’s so island-ey on the nose, but less so on the palate. It brings more of a traditional rye fiery kick, but mellows a little on subsequent sips. There is a little banana on the finish, though think less peel and more bananas foster. Alley 6 is like the roasted cooked fruit of rye. Conclusion: I like that this is a mellow rye, yet with a fascinating nose/palate juxtaposition. For $55, it’s a good deal, considering. Don’t put this in a cocktail. Drink it neat. Sip slowly to let its complexity pique your interest. I could see drinking this watching the back and forth of thunderstorms rolling in. Like a thunderstorm, you don’t entirely know what you’re going to get—and that’s cool. I’m excited to see what Alley 6 comes up with next, based on this rye. It’ll be an interesting ride. FINAL SCORES: 87/100
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Carin Moonin

Carin Moonin swapped a 5th-floor walkup in Hoboken, NJ, for a house in SE Portland a decade ago and hasn't looked back. She appreciates Portland's vibrant whiskey scene, finding it complements both the weather and her mood. Carin enjoys exploring the diverse world of brown liquor and its many facets. Her writing has been featured in publications such as Salon.com, DailyDot.com, Willamette Week, Portland Monthly, and others. When she's not indulging in whiskey or writing about it, you can find Carin running, reading, or on the hunt for free samples in grocery stores.

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