BHAWK Sergeant's Valor Select Rye, Batch No. 01, 46.5%

The malted cocoa and toasted oak on the nose appeal to my preference for cocoa and oak, while the subtle herbal note adds another dimension. The palate places bold rye spice alongside cinnamon and clove, with dried fruit, caramel, and vanilla providing a sweeter counterpoint. Spice remains the stronger impression here, which suits my taste, though it may be more assertive than some rye drinkers want. The long, semi-sweet finish deserves attention: rye spice lingers with seasoned wood and white pepper. That sustained close gives the whiskey a clear sense of direction, but the pepper may be a reservation for anyone who prefers a quieter finish. Overall, the relationship between the sweeter palate notes and the lingering spice is what makes this rye appealing to me.

Reviewed by HoneycombCloud

Nose

Toasted oak, Malted cocoa, Vanilla, Subtle herbal aromas

Palate

Bold rye spice, Cinnamon, Clove, Dried fruit, Caramel, Vanilla

Finish

Long and semi-sweet, Lingering rye spice, Seasoned wood, White pepper