The basics: this rye is aged four years and is bottled at 80 proof. I did a quick search, and it turns out that I have had this rye before. The label changed, and I have a new label or the other way around. If you really care, do the research online and post a comment.

I decided to open this bottle because I want a rye. With a rye, I can make a Manhattan later, if that is my thing. Otherwise I can drink this over a little ice. Is the rye too rough? Learn to take smaller sips. At 80 proof, I would expect that this will be relatively mild, but one never knows. There are several bottles that need photos and reviews, so there will be a push to get those going here on the website that nobody reads.

Today, I decided to enjoy straight, no ice, and in a rocks glass. The weather here is amazing for July, so I am enjoying sitting outside and writing a bit while sipping.

Nose: I find the nose is nothing spectacular. I get a honey sweetness and a little straw like grain.

Pop: The burn of rye is there along with a strong ethanol note.

Taste: Very strong burn of rye in this one. I sense a Manhattan is in my near future.

Finish: Fire.

This is the strong rye that people talk about. This is not something I enjoy sipping. As I mentioned, I think this might work better in a Manhattan. I was wrong about being able to sip an 80 proof rye. Come to think of it, if you hold on, I will go make a Manhattan and let you know what I think.

I mixed up a standard Manhattan and the harshness of the rye plays with the strong cherry flavor of my current sweet vermouth to make for a pleasing experience. Many times a rye that is too strong to drink makes for a great Manhattan and Templeton Rye shows well in a Manhattan.

Maybe there will be more writing, and maybe not. Why not go enjoy your favorite beverage and leave a comment today?

This is a review that was supposed to be something else. Yes, the review was supposed to be for Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. Mrsag and I set off to drive a little in these uncertain times and simply get out of the house. Our destination was a Virginia ABC store that the web site reported to have a couple of bottles of Rare Breed Rye. Upon arrival, we found out that the web site is not always up to date. However, the kind Virginia ABC employee offered a consolation prize: a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 Rye.

I can’t remember if I have ever had the 101 variety of Wild Turkey Rye, but I jumped at the chance to try a Wild Turkey product, even if it was a repeat. Yes, some bottles don’t get a review. Don’t judge me harshly because sometimes life gets in the way. I was excited because 101 Rye is almost as hard to get as Rare Breed Rye. I checked the web site while writing this review and only a few bottles are for sale in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The whiskey craze continues to make once easy to acquire whiskeys now nearly impossible to enjoy. While looking back for the review you are reading, I found reviews of several now nearly impossible to get whiskeys. Maybe a summary of “hard to find” whiskeys on the site as an article? I filed the idea away with many of the other good ideas and maybe I will write it up. Yes, that someday list grows all of the time. Enough about the future, how about a review?

Nose I get caramel, cherry and oak. The aroma actually carried to my nose while I wrote the above introduction and reminds me that maybe something great awaits.

Pop This rye enters gently, leaving a light tingle to the lips. Perhaps my taste buds have changed, but this is a 101 rye which usually indicate harsh, but not so with this bottle.

Body Sweet caramel and gentle with an amazing amount of body. The body is almost syrup like and encourages a slow enjoyment on the palette, before beginning the trip down the throat.

Finish The smooth body completes the experience, as the mild rye grain presents as the last drop is swallowed. A gentle hint of mint is present as the rye goes down. The fine finish certainly encourages another sip to start the cycle over.

Perhaps I am becoming a rye drinker after all. I also enjoyed sipping Sazerac Rye with a similar review. Wild Turkey 101 Rye almost certainly would make an excellent Manhattan, but might be too good to dilute with anything. After all, one could not enjoy the great balance this Rye brings to the palette if one mixed it with anything. This review was written on the straight Rye at room temperature , in a rocks glass with no ice.