89

Score

Hochstadter's Family Reserve 16 year old Straight Rye, 61.9%

Price: $200 Issue: Fall 2017 Reviewer: Fred Minnick

When bakers knead dough there's a distinct aroma that drifts upward as the flour and water combine. That doughy goodness is found here, with root vegetable cellar and funky leather notes. Then powerful flavors drive this whiskey home: black licorice, caramel-flavored rice cakes, rye bread, paprika, cumin, and sugar cookies over a richly coating mouthfeel. Its greatest flaw is a shorter than desired medium finish with a hint of toasted pecan.