Old Overholt Canadian rye

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 21 by Michael Jackson and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Oil of peppermint. Exotic fruits. Palate Well rounded. Tightly combined flavours. Plenty of substance. Gingery. Rooty. Cedary. Some rye bitterness gradually emerging. Finish Firm, long, appetising. Comment Originally from Pennsylvania. For years, the only reasonably accessible rye. I would have liked it to be more extrovert, to say: “I’m a rye, whether you like me or not, and I’m coming out of the closet. ”

Dave Broom Nose Soft yet lean. Fruity, yet floral and peppery: there’s menthol, red peppercorn/allspice/nutmeg, rye bread, bourbon biscuits and fermenting red wine. Palate Soft, full and chewy then builds in intensity with a powerful rye attack giving flavours of bitter chocolate, spices and a slight floury (not flowery) quality. Lovely weight and energy. Finish Dry, crackling. Hint of sweetness. Comment A real bargain. Beginners start here.