The Basics: 

Starlight Distillery

Old Rickhouse Rye Whiskey Selected by Blake Huber

111.6 Proof - NCF

4 year age statement 

$30 MSRP for 375 mL

Nose:

Spearmint, green apple, earthiness, lemon zest, lemon squares, clove, rye bread, anise, and nutmeg. 

Palate: 

Stewed apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, mint ice cream, and honey green tea. 

Finish:

Medium-long with notes of caramel, clove, oak, Apple Jacks cereal, and gooseberries. 

Final Thoughts:

The father and sons trio of Starlight Distillery (Ted, Christian, and Blake) select all of the barrels that go into their single barrel program. Each of them brings their own unique flavor preferences, with this specific barrel having been selected by Blake. It is a 4 year non-chill filtered rye at 111.6 proof. The nose sets the stage for the entire drinking experience, with a massive amount of spearmint, green apple, and lemon squares. These aromas carry onto the palate, but with a sweeter stewed apple note rather than fresh green apple. Finally, the finish leaves you with Apple Jacks cereal, and oddly enough, a hint of gooseberries. Overall this is a great cask strength rye at the right price point. It has a burst of mint and green apple, which I especially enjoy in a rye, while also bringing a sweet and spice forward undertone to the whiskey.