Pikesville Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey NV 750ml

Look for a rich caramel-maple aroma and spice-forward flavor profile, showing allspice and clove, with a layer of vanilla underneath. Dilution tames this rye to show more vanilla, accented with dry touches of oak, leather and cocoa. Aged at least six years. Sip or mix.

Heaven Hill’s 80-proof standard Pikesville is a summer favorite, so I was eager to try this. A woody depth to it at 6 years old: 110 proof-hot, stewed plum and horehound candy, and sizzling rye spice behind it. It’s a jawbreaker: full and hot in the mouth, with sweet grassy spice, bitter rye grain as it progresses, and crackling sugar near the end, just before it all smooths into a savory layered finish. Exciting ride, great ending.