This rye doesn’t whisper. It speaks in clipped sentences, dark alleys, and coat collars turned up against the cold. It pours a dusky gold — almost brass. The nose is dry and focused: cracked rye bread, green peppercorns, dried citrus rind, and the snap of saddle leather.

On the palate, it’s sharp and clean — green apple, mint leaf, pine resin, and toasted oak — with a searing rye spice that flares like a match in the dark. It’s more cerebral than indulgent, like an old detective who’s too clever to get caught up in the drama. There’s sweetness too — but restrained, like caramel laced with bitters.

The finish is medium-long, spicy, and lean — leaving a trail of cinnamon, citrus peel, and black tea tannin. This rye is sharp-suited, unsentimental, and damn good company when you need a drink with backbone.