Driftless Glen 10 Year Rye "Bare Knuckle Boxing", Whacked Out Whiskey Club Pick

A single barrel of Driftless Glen rye (75% rye, 25% malted barley) aged 10 years, picked by the Whacked Out Whiskey Club of Dallas, TX. Barrel #1021, which the club nicknamed "Bare Knuckle Boxing." Lemon, lavender, confectioners sugar, ginger and cardamom.

The club's tasting notes

Written from a barrel sample pulled the day of selection. The club will update these once bottles arrive.

Appearance: Rich amber, medium viscosity with a consistent oily cling.

Nose: Lavender and honeysuckle, lemon pound cake, confectioners sugar, a bouquet of potpourri, honey butter, brown sugar, toasted oak.

Palate: Lavender lemon cookie, citrus green tea, cardamom and ginger, subtle sweet oak. A delicate balance of herbal and fruity harmony.

Finish: Green tea, ginger, white pepper, lavender. The spice rack shines on the finish, but not in a hot cinnamon or pepper way at all. Very layered herbaceous spices before being rounded off with a sweet floral taper.

Thoughts: If you don't like lavender, this one might not be for you, but it is incredibly well done on this rye whiskey. It is not perfumey or a chemically processed lavender flavor at all, but a true raw floral and sweet note of the actual plant itself. This is what I imagine Thomas Handy taken up over 10 years could be. The oak influence is a little deeper and the herbal notes are more layered and complex. This is a barrel that absolutely wows, both in how interesting and unique it is and in deliciousness. Super stoked for this selection. It is a very nice addition to the 7.5 year to show how much range Driftless has with their ryes, even on the same mash.