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Whiskey Review: Sonoma Rye Whiskey

We review Sonoma Rye Whiskey, a 100% rye whiskey made in Sonoma County, California.

OVERALL RATING

6
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Tasting Notes

About:

96 Proof, 48% ABV, 100% Rye.
Appearance:
The bottle definitely gives this whiskey the appearance of a vintage craft spirit. Once it is poured into a Glencairn glass, Sonoma Rye whiskey takes on an orange amber color with a viscous clear halo and long oily legs.
Nose:
Sonoma Rye Whiskey gives off a lot of sweet fruit notes reminiscent of apricot and apple cider with a hint of freshly cut wood.
Palate:
The palate is very complex with heavy wheat and herbal notes with a very faint sweetness. There are cardamom spice and artichoke notes mixed in with young oak that leaves a musty hop finish. Dilution definitely recommended as it helps bring out some sweet vanilla and fruit notes.
Finish:
Comments:
Sonoma Rye Whiskey is a young 100% rye whiskey which could benefit from dilution and a few years of distilling experience. The fact that it is quick aged in small barrels could be adding to the unbalanced wood notes that fight the complex fruit flavors. However, I can only imagine that recent batches of Sonoma Rye Whiskey will improve with a few years of experience and some quality controls.

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.

Joe Frade

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