DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey
(Sugarlands Distilling Co., TN)  Aged 4 yrs.
Bottled-in-Bond.  100° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, sticky toffee, dark chocolate, molasses, Bit o’Honey, honey, vanilla, warm apple bread pudding, banana, cherries, sweet rye grain, rye, nutty, mint, cloves, spice, sweet spice, cigar, leather, earthy, peat, fresh wood, cedar, sweet cedar, oak, sherry.
Palate: Salted caramel, chocolate, dark chocolate with sea salt, buttery, creamy, vanilla, honey, rum raisin, raisins, roasted figs, plum, orange zest, sarsaparilla, coffee, sweetened wheat, toasty, spicy herb, Italian oregano, nutmeg, spice, baking spices, white pepper, black pepper, smoky, charred oak, new oak, rich, zesty.
Finish: Toffee, chocolate, brown sugar, sweet corn, plum, fig jam, rye, wheat, nutty, nutmeg, spice, spicy, peppery, smoky, high ABV, clean, bold, Old Fashioned cocktail preferred, nice, surprisingly smooth, delicious.

Double Gold Medal

North American Steamship Single Malt Rye Whiskey
(Quincy Street Distillery, IL)  Aged 4 yrs.
Bottled-in-Bond.  100° prf

Nose: Toffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mocha, nougat, crème brûlée, sugar cane, maple syrup, honey, clover honey, stewed apples, apple, green apple, fresh lemon, anisette, mint, dried herbs, dough, rye, grain, toast, cashew, roasted nuts, nutty, leather, smoky, oak, toasted oak, char 4.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, creamy, dark chocolate, mocha, honey, dried fruit, plum, rose, orange peel, orange, citrus, citrus pith, vanilla cake, warm baked goods, buttered toast, sweet grain, wheat, rye, almond, nuttiness, peppermint tea, fennel, sage, clove, cinnamon, spice, baking spices, black pepper, spicy, sandalwood, cork, oak, rustic, balanced.
Finish: Nutty, buttery, grain notes, nutmeg, cinnamon, balanced warm spices, spices, black pepper, smoky, well balanced, zingy, smooth, perfect.

Double Gold Medal

Ragged Branch Virginia Straight Rye Whiskey
( Ragged Branch Distillery, VA)  100° prf

Nose: Toffee, vanilla, maple, honey, caramelized apples, fig, dates, raisin, dried fruit, sweet cereal grains, toast, walnuts, straw, hay, herbal, menthol, cardamom, leather, earth, smoky, sweet wood, oak.
Palate: Chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate mint, cocoa, burned sugar, creamy, vanilla, dried fig, ripe banana, stewed cherries, graham cracker, rye toast, rye flour, wheat, grain, cereal grains, toast, straw, roasted nuts, walnuts, nutty, coffee, black pepper, spicy, leather, tobacco leaves, oak, charred oak, zesty.
Finish: Cocoa, vanilla, molasses, sugar cane, honey, raisins, bread, toast, coffee, spices, black pepper, dusty, earthy, smoky, good balance, complex, soft, smooth, rum-like, elegant.

Double Gold Medal

Echo Straight Rye Whiskey
(Echo Spirits Distilling, OH)   Aged 2 yrs.  93° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, butterscotch, cocoa, nougat, maple syrup, vanilla, cream, dried fruit, stewed raisin, banana, cookie dough, dough, toast, grain, nutty, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemongrass, mint, beeswax, oiled leather, cedar, pine, oak, new oak, sherry, brandy.
Palate: Toffee, sticky toffee pudding, salted caramel, dark chocolate, nougat, sugar cane, creamy, sweet cream, vanilla, honey, orange blossom honey, raisins, dried fruit, cherry, ripe banana, pistachio ice cream, ginger, grain notes, toast, rye, walnut, clove, spice, peppery, herbs, earth, cedar, oak, rich.
Finish: Lingering mocha, coffee, creamy, vanilla, honey, grain, creamy spice, sweet spice, nutmeg, slowly builds to a spicy crescendo, woody, zesty, smooth, mellow.

Double Gold Medal

King's Family Distillery Ryeconic
Twice Barreled Straight Rye Whiskey
( IN/TN)  Aged at least 4 yrs.  110° prf

Nose: Butterscotch, cane sugar, dark chocolate, nougat, vanilla, honey, banana, apple, grapey, rum cake, toasted cinnamon raisin bread, honey roasted peanuts, pecans, cocoa, coffee, rye bread, grain, mint, nutmeg, cinnamon, spice, chili peppers, dusty, earth, woody, oak.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, chocolate, mocha, molasses, brown sugar, buttery, vanilla, honey, fruit cake, dried fruit, dried figs, coconut, ripe banana, apricot, orange, citrus, cherry, grain, toast, walnuts, nutmeg, spices, smoky, green oak, oak, cedar, gradual heat, nicely sweet, well balanced.
Finish: Caramel, vanilla, sweet vanilla, mocha, cherry, orange zest, herbs, mint, rye, toast, grain, nutty, nutmeg, spice, fresh wood, smoky, high ABV, complex, smooth, nice, mellow, zingy, zesty, firecracker, delicious, delish.

Double Gold Medal

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
(Kentucky Peerless Distilling, KY)  109.8° prf

Nose: Toffee, cocoa, brown sugar, maple, buttery, vanilla, honey, raisin, prunes, dried apricots, sweet cherry, bananas foster, peach, orange peel, green apple, rose water, floral, mince pie, grain, nuts, cloves, baking spice, suede, smoky wood, oak, sherry.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, truffle, chocolate, creamy, vanilla, sweet vanilla, honey, dried apple, banana bread, sweet grains, grain, rye, caramel toasted almonds, nutty, sweet nuttiness, straw, cloves, cinnamon, sweet spices, pepper, peppery, herbaceous, sea salt, tobacco, smoky, woody, oak, sherry, nicely balanced, rich, zesty, silky, smooth.
Finish: Caramel, chocolate, sweet vanilla, maple syrup, mint, spice, spicy, earth, smoky, camp fire, fresh wood, oaky, perfectly balanced, Rob Roy cocktail preferred, smooth, cozy, nice & mellow.

Gold Medal

Belfour Rye Whiskey
(Belfour Spirits, KY)  94° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, chocolate, cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla, honey, raisins, plums, clementine, light citrus, grain, toast, rye flour, rye, black tea, coffee, hazelnuts, roasted nuts, salted popcorn, clove, baking spices, jalapeño pepper, spicy, smoke, oak, cedar, sherry.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, cocoa, buttery, cream, vanilla, honey, rum raisin, plum, Asian plum, stewed cherry, overripe banana, green apple, ginger, rose, potpourri, black tea, peppermint tea sweet grains, rye flour, cinnamon baked goods, nutty, clove, nutmeg, oregano, tobacco, soy sauce, hint of smoke, sherry casks, woody, oak, smooth.
Finish: Cocoa, raisins, dried fruit, marmalade, brown sugar, butter, lingering coffee, nutmeg, eucalyptus, soft earthy tones, delicate, smooth, zesty, approachable, yummy, perfect.

Gold Medal

Detroit City Distillery Homegrown Rye Reserve
(MI)  Aged 1 yr.  94° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, dark chocolate, brown sugar, root beer, cherry, vanilla, rising batter, honey, sweet nuts, grain, flour, rye flour, rye, toast, nutmeg, baking spices, herbal, fresh mint, minty, jalapeño, black pepper, bamboo, green wood, woody, oak, cedar.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, butterscotch, toffee, creamy, dark chocolate, mocha, vanilla, sugarcane, cherry cola, stewed cherry, dried fruit, sweet fig, baked apple, ginger, orange peel, banana peel, dough, grain, toast, rye, malt, sweet nuttiness, beer nuts, clove, peppery, tobacco, leather, herbs, oak, creamy mouthfeel, smooth.
Finish: Caramel, subtle chocolate, cocoa, grain, nutty, citrus frosting, nice citrus, anise, spicy, less pepper, woody, well balanced, well made, complex, zesty, rich, velvety, pleasant.

Gold Medal

Col. E. H. Taylor Jr. Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey
(Old Fashioned Copper Distillery, KY)  Bottled-in-Bond.  100° prf

Nose: Toffee, cocoa, sarsaparilla, molasses, brown sugar, maple, vanilla, honey, banana, dried apricot, green apple, mint, delicate floral notes, sweet grains, toasted walnuts, cinnamon bread, cinnamon, baking spices, brine, oak.
Palate: Toffee, salted caramel, brown sugar, buttery, cocoa, vanilla, dried fruit, dried apricot, apricot, coconut, orange peel, orange, fresh green apple slices, green apple, cherry, strawberry, herbal, mint, sweet grains, nuttiness, spice, pepper, black pepper, burnt leather, green wood, oak.
Finish: Vanilla, butter, honey, ripe bananas, citrus, orange zest, cherry, cinnamon toasted walnut bread, spearmint, spicy, peppery, black pepper, leather, oak, well balanced, mellow.

Gold Medal

Axe and the Oak Colorado Mountain
Incline Rye Whiskey
(Axe and the Oak Distillery, CO)  Aged min. 3 yrs.  98° prf

Nose: Caramel, toasted caramel, toffee, nougat, vanilla, custard, honey, wheat, grain, salted pretzel, cinnamon, spicy, leather, mushrooms, grassy, mossy, earth, peaty, wet cedar, new oak, oak, Armagnac, Madeira, nice.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, milk chocolate, hint of cocoa, vanilla, vanilla cookie, rising dough, honey, sweet apricot, dried apricot, raisin, dried fruit, ripe banana, green apple skin, apple peel, orange, citrus, licorice, minty, cinnamon, nutmeg, spicy, peppery, smoky, barrel smoked, toasted oak, woody, smooth.
Finish: Caramel, fruit cake, scones, prune, apple, barley sugar, floral, white pepper, black pepper, spices, warm toasty goodness, smooth, quite delicious.

Gold Medal

King's Town Rye Whiskey
(Swamp Fox Distilling, GA)  100° prf

Nose: Salted caramel, crème brûlée, butter, dark chocolate, sugar cane, touch of maple, malted, cherry, licorice, agave, potato skins, pickled peppers, jalapeño, black pepper, leather, tobacco, funk, musty, earth, peat, burnt baked goods, burnt toast, charred wood, campfire, smoky, wood, sherry barrel.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, chocolate malt, creamy, vanilla, ginger, agave, vegetal, fresh herbs, spice, toasted dark bread, toast, roasted walnuts, crispy nuts, coffee grounds, leather, cowhide, earthy, peaty, cigar box, mesquite, charred BBQ, burnt wood, camp fire, charcoal, char, smoke, barrel smoke, woody, oak, cedar.
Finish: Butterscotch, rye, charred rye, toasty, malted, nutty, spicy, wet stone, pine sap, straw, hay, peaty, charred, smoky, heavy smoke, oak, mellow, interesting.

Gold Medal

J. W. Kelly Golden Age Straight Rye Whiskey
(J.W. Kelly & Co., TN)  Aged min. 2 yrs.  94° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, cream soda, sugarcane, molasses, maple, cocoa, vanilla, honey, fig, strawberries, plums, banana, banana peel, raw lemon, ginger, apricot, ripe bananas, mint candy cane, peppermint, sweet grains, peanut brittle, cashew, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, dry hay, leather, oak.
Palate: Toffee, salted caramel, creamy, dark chocolate, peppermint patty, sugar cane, molasses, vanilla, sweet vanilla, honey, dried fruit, cherry, dark cherry, orange peel, coconut, cake batter, baklava, candied walnuts, roasted hazelnut, sweet nuttiness, popcorn notes, rye flour, rye bread, grain, anise, clove, cinnamon, spices, pepper, black pepper, leather, green wood, oak.
Finish: Vanilla, creamy vanilla, cake batter, maple syrup, honey, cherry, orange zest, soft mint, grain, nutmeg, spicy, peppery, white pepper, super clean, zesty, smooth, mellow.

Gold Medal

Belfour Straight Rye Whiskey Limited Edition
(Belfour Spirits, KY)  Aged 27 ms.  100° prf

Nose: Butterscotch, toffee, dark chocolate, mocha, brown butter, brown sugar, vanilla, honey, apple pie, orange blossom, orange zest, lemony, rye flour, grain, popcorn, roasted nuts, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, spice, pepper, briny, earth, wood, oak.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, dark chocolate, creamy, crème brûlée, mocha, cola nut, honey, buttery, warm butter, pancakes with butter, dried fruit, apricot, blueberry, coconut, peanut brittle, sweet spicy nuts, rye, grain, ginger, celery, vegetal, cinnamon, clove, spice, black pepper, straw, oak, smooth, crisp.
Finish: Sweet popcorn, honey, orange peel, fresh zest, vegetal, grain, almond, mint, sweet cinnamon, spice, camp fire, peaty, scotch-like, nice heat, smooth, complex, flavorful.

Gold Medal

Tommy Bahama Rye Whisky
(Coral Cay Distilling, WA)  Rye whisky & rum.  93° prf

Nose: Caramel, nougat, brown sugar, cocoa powder, butter, vanilla, honey, apricot, cinnamon apple, green apple, lemon, quince paste, mint, peppermint tea, grain, rye flour, roasted nuts, sweet nuttiness, clove, spice, leather, mushroom, earthy, oak.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, toffee, maple syrup, buttery, vanilla, dried cherries, stewed peaches, apricot, orange, orange peel, banana peel, ginger beer, hazelnut, nutmeg, cinnamon, spices, spicy, hot pepper, leather, woody, oak, nicely sweet, creamy mouthfeel.
Finish: Toffee, candied pecans, sweet nuttiness, cocoa, maple syrup, brown sugar, peppery, black pepper, leather, subtle smoke, cedar, well balanced, zesty, velvety, smooth, mellow.

Gold Medal

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
(Buffalo Trace Distillery, KY)  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, nougat, honey, vanilla, corn, ripe banana, white strawberries, green apple, grain, rye, brazil nut, sweet nuts, rose hips, mint, cinnamon, spicy, new oak, oak.
Palate: Salted caramel, toffee, brown sugar, maple, honey, dark raisins, dried fruit, sweet banana, apricot, orange, orange marmalade, buttered apple donuts, nutty banana, walnut, cashew, nutmeg, balanced spice & cream, spice, black pepper, mint, wood, cedar, oak, nice balance, great rye flavor.
Finish: Toffee, creamy, vanilla, lingering honey, sweet banana, sweet corn, grain, pepper, hints of black pepper, cayenne, spicy, woody, dry oak, sherry.

Gold Medal

SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey
(Limestone Branch Distillery, IN/KY)  Sherry cask finished.  90° prf

Nose: Toffee, brown sugar, mocha, cocoa, vanilla, honey, ripe banana, apricot, cling peaches, orange peel, grassy, mint tea leaves, grain, menthol, nutty, nutmeg, clove, allspice, soft pepper, faint leather, cigar leaf, oak, toasted oak.
Palate: Caramel, toffee, peanut brittle, molasses, burnt sugar, buttery, creamy, milk chocolate, vanilla fudge, vanilla, maple, honey, banana pudding, banana, coconut, orange peel, citrus, unripe strawberries, ginger, grain, almond, walnut, nutmeg, pepper, black pepper, spicy throughout, light wood, cedar box, oak, nicely balanced.
Finish: Dried apricot, ginger, orange zest, quince, clove, spicy, creamy, buttery, sweet wood, balanced, mellow, delicious.

Silver Medal

High Peaks Landrace Empire Straight Rye Whiskey
(High Peaks Distilling, NY)  84° prf

Nose: Toffee, cream, nougat, dried fruit, stone fruit, banana, apricot, ginger, dry cider, wheat, grain, rye flour, floral, herbal, fennel, grassy, mint, peppermint tea, clove, baking spice, cigar leaves, leather, earth, new wood, green oak, oak, cedar.
Palate: Caramel, dark chocolate, cocoa, maple, honey, ripe banana, cherry, apricot, sweet vanilla, dough, wheat, grain, walnut, nuts, herbs, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg, spicy, black pepper, mushroom, leather, sous bois, tobacco, cigar box, cedar, chestnut wood, oak, heavy oak, velvety, smooth.
Finish: Pound cake, toast, grain, roasted wheat, tropical fruit, citrus, herbal, sweet cinnamon, allspice, spicy, hay, peat, resinous, rich, super soft, smooth.

Silver Medal

Riverset Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey
(B.R. Distilling, TN)  Aged min. 4 yrs.  93° prf

Nose: Toffee, nougat, Laffy Taffy, cocoa, sugar cane, honey, vanilla, ginger snap cookies, blueberry cobbler, cherry, roasted apples, ripe banana peel, grain, green hay, toasted walnuts, nutty, mint, cinnamon spice, leather, oak.
Palate: Caramel, mint chocolate, honey, vanilla, bubble gum, sweet cherry, dark cherry, sweet plums, orange, orange peel, lemon peel, peppermint tea, baked goods, rye flour, sweet nuttiness, green pepper, pepper, spicy, sweet spicy, leather, cigar box, green wood, oaky, great blend, nice heat, chewy, zesty, creamy, velvety.
Finish: Toffee, caramel, ginger bread, cherry, touch of green apple, apple peel, nutty, clove, spice, pepper, oak, warm spiced rum, smooth, soft & easy, nice, mellow, great.

Silver Medal

Timber Cruiser Rye Whiskey
(Westslope Distillery, MT)  Aged min. 6 ms.  100° prf

Nose: Toffee, cocoa, dark sugar, molasses, cream, nougat, honey, vanilla, vanilla cake mix, dried ginger, cherry, lemon, citrus, herbal, dried tea leaves, rye, grain, roasted grains, peanut, sweet nuttiness, licorice, cinnamon, clove, leather, peat, old wood barrel, oak.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, toffee, butterscotch, dark chocolate with sea salt, cocoa, cane sugar, cream soda, dried fruit, red berry, cherry, lemony, citrus, cupcakes, biscotti, sweet grain, dough, bread, rye, walnuts, nutty, anisette, spice, fresh tobacco, coffee bean, oak, orange marmalade, wheat, smooth mouthfeel.
Finish: Lingering chocolate, nougat, raisins, apple, wheat, almond, nutmeg, sandalwood, cinnamon, pepper, oak, pine, nice, easy, smooth, very tasty.

Silver Medal

Ole George 100% Straight Rye Whiskey
(Grand Traverse Distillery, MI)  93° prf

Nose: Cane sugar, buttery, cream, apricots, apple, lemon tea, fresh pressed mint, dill, sweet herbs, grain, toast, rye flour, rye seed, nutty, sweet nuttiness, black pepper, leather, saline, earth, wood, new oak, fresh American oak, chestnut wood.
Palate: Toffee, salted caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, clotted cream, dark sugar, maple syrup, honey, salty apple, herbs, fennel, toasted oats, barley, rye, grain, sweet clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, leather, tobacco, acacia, earth, barrel smoke, wood, toasted oak, teak.
Finish: Cocoa, powdered sugar, honey, almond, nutty, rye, millet, cayenne, zesty spice, spicy, salty, peaty, toasted oak, zesty, complex, smooth, mellow, hot toddy, tasty.

Silver Medal

Cooperstown Select Straight Rye Whiskey
(Cooperstown Distillery, NY)  Cabernet barrel finished.  102° prf

Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate, cocoa, brown sugar, buttery, vanilla, maple, honey, bananas foster, banana, cherry, sweet dill, rye, sweet corn, grain, cereal grains, pasta flour, roasted nuts, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, leather, coffee bean, leather, green wood, cedar, oak, sweet oak, toasted oak.
Palate: Dark chocolate with sea salt, peppermint patty, cocoa, brown sugar, creamy, buttery, nougat, honey, dates, baked apple, banana, cherry, dried fruit, dried apricots, orange peel, lemony, citrus, corn, grain, rye grain, rye flour, toast, pistachio, straw, potpourri, rose, cinnamon, sweet spice, spicy, pepper, leather, fresh wood, oak, balanced, soft mouthfeel.
Finish: Mocha, s’mores, creamy, honey, wheat, flour, rye grain, nutty sweetness, green apple skins, lemon, zest, spice, black pepper, wood, oak, high heat, balanced, mellow.

Silver Medal

King's Family Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey
( IN/TN)  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, burnt caramel, dark toffee, creamy, brown sugar, sugar cane, maple, vanilla, ripe banana, hints of plum, apple cider, light citrus, lemon tea, anise, grain, peanut butter, walnuts, nutmeg, light spice, leather, oak, fresh.
Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, creamy, sweet vanilla, honey, coconut, dark raisins, caramelized banana, ripe banana, green apple, citrus, dill, cinnamon, spice, black pepper, tobacco, saline, cedar, oak. bright, creamy mouthfeel.
Finish: Nougat, spiced honey, sweet spice, big spice, spicy, clove, hints of pepper, white pepper, new oak, fiery, bold, zingy, smooth, creamy.

Silver Medal

Storm King Distilling Colorado Straight Rye Whiskey
(CO)  Aged min. 2 yrs.  90° prf

Nose: Nougat, molasses, kirschwasser, buttery, cream, dough, sweet rye toast, wheat, grain, straw, lemon tea, walnut, licorice, mint, clove, oregano, black pepper, spicy, leather, oiled leather, suede, tobacco, cigar leaf, earthy, soil, crisp leaves, green wood, pine, cedar, zesty.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, toffee, cream, chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate mint, sugar cane, honey, dates, dried fruit, pear, green apple, cucumber, herbal, straw, toast, grain, rye, walnut, peppery, spice, tobacco, cigar box, clover, rich, malty, cedar sauna, pine, oak, balanced, flavorful.
Finish: Lingering toffee, buttery, creamy, hints of cocoa, brown sugar, treacle, molasses, honey, orange rind, nutty, bamboo, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, spicy, smoky, woody.

Silver Medal

BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS

John David Albert's Taos Lightning Straight Rye Whiskey
(KGB Spirits, NM)  90° prf.

Nose: Toffee, caramel, cocoa, brown sugar, buttery, vanilla, light maple, honey, apricot, ginger, citrus, lemon tea, light mint, toasted nuts, nutty, cinnamon, hints of cedar, bourbon-like.
Palate: Caramel, salted caramel, toffee, chocolate covered pretzels, buttery, creamy, vanilla, sweet vanilla, honey, spiced rum notes, dried fruit, cherry, plum, apricot, orange, herb, grain, rye flour, spicy rye, walnut, clove, baking spice, black pepper, leather, charred oak, oak, pine, cedar, silky, soft, satiny, smooth.
Finish: Creamy, vanilla, lasting honey notes, dried apricot, orange zest, green apple, spicy, peppery, black pepper, dusty, earthy, spicy wood, oaky, nice balance, soft, quite smooth.

Bronze Medal

Monterey Rye Batch No. 26
( Fog’s End Distillery, CA)  90° prf

Nose: Butterscotch, toffee, caramel, brown sugar, maple syrup, cocoa, hot cocoa, creamy, vanilla, cake batter, honey, candied pecans, toasted walnuts, hint of sweet nuttiness, rye flour, warm bread, toast, popcorn, buttered popcorn, dried apple, orange, smoky citrus, cherry, leather, earthy, oak.
Palate: Butterscotch, toffee, soft caramel, crème brûlée, cocoa, dark chocolate, vanilla, cake batter, raisin bread, oats, flour, toasty, peanut butter, toasted pecans, sweet nuttiness, ginger, herbs, clove, spicy, black pepper, leather, smoky, cedar box, oak, burnt oak, nice heat, creamy mouthfeel, rich, smooth.
Finish: Peppered caramel, spicy cocoa, nutty, banana brew, spice, spicy, leather, earth, camp fire, char #3, oaky, mellow, creamy, smooth, great.

Bronze Medal

Altered State Barleywine Cask Rye Whiskey
(Altered State Distillery, PA)  86° prf
Secondary barreled for 4 ms. in used barleywine barrels
from local craft breweries.

Nose: Toffee, butterscotch, cream, butter cream, vanilla, sugar cane, dark cherry, mango, green apple, apple notes, orange peel, honeysuckle, peppermint tea, potpourri, grain, almonds, nutty, spicy rye, ginger spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, leather, green wood, oak.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, dusty cocoa, buttery, vanilla, honey, orange marmalade, orange peel, dried fruit, cherry, dark cherry, tropical fruit, apple, green apple, mint, sweet rye, almond, warm cinnamon toast, cinnamon, cardamom, peppery, black pepper, leather, peaty notes, very soft, extra smooth.
Finish: Soft vanilla, molasses, dried fruit, ripe banana, cooked apples, herbs, toast, woody, oaky, toasted oak, balanced, smooth, beautiful sipper, enjoyable.

Bronze Medal

Yellow Rose Rye Whiskey
(Yellow Rose Distilling, TX)  Aged min. 1 yr.  80° prf

Nose: Caramel, toffee, molasses, sugarcane, vanilla, honey, raisins, green apple skin, cereal, toasted almond, nutty, herbal, mint, anise, clove, cinnamon, spice, peppery, briny, woody, oak.
Palate: Caramel, chocolate, honey, dates, roasted figs, ginger, Granny Smith apple, green apple, citrus, lemon tea, toasty, roasted walnuts, nutty, spearmint, minty, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, black pepper, spicy throughout, wood, oak, cedar box, smooth.
Finish: Lingering honey, orange zest, citrus, green apple skins, peppermint, rye flour, café au lait, toasty, leather, woody, zesty, nice spicy finish.

Bronze Medal