The first thing we noticed is how Redemption knocked it out of the park with the label and packaging. While some may find the label too busy, we really like how the label explains the entire process from mashing to enjoying a glass of this straight rye whiskey. Education is a big part of this bottle as it is isolated from everything else on the market. The 95% rye and 5% mash bill, non-chill filtered three year whiskey drinks more like a 5-6 year due to the "sur lie" method and periodic rolling of the barrels.
Hazy golden color, similar of a sultry summer sunset right before it disappears over the horizon. We weren't expecting a heavily roasted marshmallow aroma, but it was instantly mouth-watering. Dry straw, evergreen needles, and caramel chews also made an appearance. This is incredibly viscous and if that's your thing, you're going to savor this whiskey! Light brown sugar, orange marmalade, sweet grain and hints of star anise on the palate led to a really nice push of rye with medium heat on the finish. The mouthfeel is what really stood out to us as far as uniqueness of this bottle. The "on the lees" method of aging created the viscosity but time and subsequent batches of this whiskey will tell whether or not sur lie aging added enough flavor for the distillery to abandon the practice. Either way, we really enjoyed this one and hope you do too!
