Michter's - Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey 2017 Release

Nose: The aroma of this rye is very pastry-forward, soaked in booze (of course), and dynamic. The smells of cinnamon and marzipan race to the forefront, showing big and lingering with each forward sniff. Whiskey soaked cherries appear here as well as hints of red-and-white candy canes and nutmeggy egg nog. Perhaps its the time of year, or this just smells like a holiday dessert table stuffed in to a tiny glass.

Palate: The aromas all translate beautifully and in balance to the first sip, although the rye itself plays a bit sweeter on the palate than expected. What I hoped would be a boozy intensity to supplement the baked goods in the nose reads more like an amped up brown sugar background. On one hand, the toasted oak served to really smooth out the heat, but limits drinkability as more of an after-dinner sipper akin to port or sherry.