While the flavors present are adequate, they tend to be lacking in depth. Even though single barrels can always vary, expectations are often set high since those barrels are usually carefully selected.
Spicy, oily, hints of mint, with just a bit of vanilla from a month and a half in wood...which is where it fades, needing that barrel complexity. Catoctin Creek is making some nice, clean whiskey, a great start, and I do hope they're tucking some away for the long haul.
It's a bit thin, and runs hot, which is a sure sign its barrels were small and its nap time was short. If you're a fan of lighter ryes, you'll like it. But if you want something bigger and richer, this may not be for you.
The aroma is oaky and warm, while the drying palate is tinged with cocoa and lemon peel. It's soft and easy-sipping, with just enough peppery spice to keep it interesting.
