Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey

Intro:  From Pikesville website

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey refuses to be forgotten. First produced in Maryland in the 1890s, the brand, along with the rest of the once-booming Maryland Rye industry, was shuttered by prohibition. The brand reemerged after prohibition and became the last standing Maryland Rye, as the rest of the industry's production had ceased. Now produced in Kentucky from extra-aged barrels stored in prime warehouse locations, Heaven Hill keeps this historic Maryland mark alive with this award-winning six year old, 110 proof offering.

Review:

The rub...

Very smooth smell of vanilla and barrel like most.  It does have a bit more of a nostril sting because it is 110 proof but not offensive.  The oldest daughter says it smells like melted chocolate and chips of wood.  

The nose...

Even with a stopped up nose, this overwhelming scent of alcohol is punching my sinuses.  Still a sweet smell and a hint of wood.  I was told by my oldest daughter that it smells like warm vanilla...she is a sweets expert, so lets go with that!

The first sip...

Burns the lip immediately and also the tongue and gums...wow!  It has an oily mouth feel and I can feel the vapor coming off my tongue.  Oh man, this has a great finish, very smooth, which is a shock compared to the first burn in the mouth taste.  Second sip, its even better and has a great after taste that is sweet and warm.  Not overpowering a'taul.  Third sip, still burns the pallet, but once it goes down the sweetness comes rushing back and the burn goes away.  

Is it worth the $?

For $49.99 at the exchange, this is a nice rye to have.  Again, like many of mine in the collection, it is awesome to have for when others want to try something new.  Heaven Hill did a great job.