Whiskey Review: J. Becher Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey

The first sip is sweet and full of warm maple and cinnamon. A few more lingering sips reveal flambéed bananas covered in caramelized brown sugar, accompanied by an array of spices one would throw into a custard for french toast: clove, allspice, a hint of nutmeg, etc. Digging deeper, baked apples and pears come out. The proof shows itself in its long and very warm finish. There’s heat, but it’s not unbearable. Final Thoughts & Score: Although the 100 proof bottling may be intimidating to the non-high-proof whiskey drinker, fear not: the spirit is warming, but not scalding. The high proof keeps some syrupy notes that appear with addition of water at bay. This is a lovely, welcoming example of a rye whiskey that doesn’t overwhelm your palate with intense flavors. Everything is seamlessly balanced, making it approachable for the experienced whiskey enthusiast as well as the newer drinker.