I was gifted a bottle of Blue Note Rye Whiskey from a friend that knows I’m a big rye fan. I will say, at the first opening, it felt very young and sharp. After letting the bottle sit for about six weeks, I revisited it. The flavors were much more distinct, and the whiskey was nicely rounded out in more delicate nuances.
Lesson here? Don’t give away whiskey after a fresh open, always revisit it to taste the changes!
Blue Note Straight Rye Whiskey
A 95% rye mash bill gives a lot of spice to the bottle. The malted barley provides that delightful creamy feeling. This is a good introduction to rye for bourbon drinkers.
Class: Rye Whiskey
Source: Memphis, Tennessee
Price: $34.99
- Aged 3 years minimum.
- Mash bill is 95% rye, 5% malted barley.
- Bottled at 46.5% ABV (93 proof).
Nose: 90/100
Creme brulee is dominant, a lightly burnt caramel flavor, instead of a sweet caramel. A touch of light citrus.
Palate: 98/100
A bit of heat that dissipates slowly. Almost a root beer or sarsparilla note. Vanilla custard and rye spice with oak.
Finish: 90/100
A medium-long finish. Oak flavors dissipate more quickly, with vanilla and rye spice drifting away slowly.
Overall: 93/100
Recommendation: Buy now, at $35 this is an easy choice. Let the bottle sit after opening, and then enjoy.
Genevieve Keller is the Webmaster of Whiskey Network Magazine® as well as being a spirits enthusiast for years.
