Peerless High Rye (Batch 170921108), 55.3%

This is one big whiskey. The high-rye wallops straight out of the glass with punchy spices— cinnamon, cardamom, and anise, bordering on under-sweetened Sambuca—candy corn sweetness, and damp hay. The sip is rich and the texture is viscous, with notable (though not overwhelming) heat from the high proof. Coffee beans, baking chocolate, and a slightly sour graininess lead the palate, with water bringing out cherry cordials, orange zest, and fig cookies.