Grist + Saw Empire Straight Rye, 48%

Earthiness and warmth on the nose: iced tea, licorice, root beer candy, white pepper, sassafras, ginger, and vanilla, along with citrus peel. Chewy tannins provide a foil for lively spice on the palate—pepper, ginger, anise, cinnamon—while orange oil, cola, cherry cordial, and black tea provide supporting notes. The finish shows generous earthiness and oak. Takes water well.