Whiskey Review: Highspire Pure Rye Whiskey

As the whiskey hits my palate, at first, the maillard-like depth of sugar makes an immediate impression of luxuriousness. The ‘baking bread’ aspect of the nose becomes a big part of the front palate, a perfect compeimentary inhalation to the sweeter, complex caramel note. A touch of green peppercorn appears mid-palate, as well as the numbing, creeping spice from the rye grain which plays well with the mild alcohol presence. There is a bit of mustiness on the finish, which is the big ding here for me. It starkly contrasts the notes of baking spice, caramel, and hazelnut that build up over multiple sips, and it catches me off-guard each time I gulp. Thankfully, it distracts me from a mild excess of astringency (also in the finish,) which limits my ability to enjoy sans rock.