Sometimes being in the bourbon industry can feel like you’re in Vegas…. and you have to roll the dice sometimes, hence the name “High Risk, High Rye-ward.” We purchased these barrels site unseen, not even getting a chance to sample the barrels until they arrived at our warehouse. I guess that’s why they call it “whiskey” business. But boy, did we luck out. On both the nose and palate of this bourbon, the rye is the star of the show. MGP’s V yeast on this mashbill truly brings out the best in a high rye bourbon. On the nose, you’ll find notes of baked apples, medjool dates, and sweet pipe tobacco. On the palate, you’ll find an oily bourbon that drinks well below its proof and coats your mouth. Initially, you’re met with a gentle earthiness (or what I like to call “funk”) that tastes of sorghum molasses before it transitions to flavors of pound cake, and dark chocolate. Finally, the bourbon leaves a lingering and slightly tannic finish that will make you salivate. – LB