We took our first have a look at Baltimore Spirits Co.’s Epoch Rye when it debuted again in 2020 because the flagship whiskey expression within the Maryland craft distillery’s impressively inventive and numerous spirits portfolio. 5 years later, that very same pot-distilled rye whiskey stays the focus of the lineup, however it has grown up a bit. Now referred to as Epoch Reserve, the whiskey carries an age assertion of “over 4 years” though we’re instructed that present blends embrace some five-year-old barrels with the potential for even older within the coming yr. Whereas the recipe continues to be 100% rye, the mix has adjusted barely to a reported 75% unmalted rye and 25% malted rye. It was already spectacular in its youth, so let’s see what time and some tweaks have achieved for this one.
Baltimore Spirits Epoch Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey Evaluate
Like its youthful brother, the aroma on this older Epoch is dominated by the malted rye, unfurling with high notes of candied cherry, heat ginger snap cookies, pink licorice, and cinnamon sugar. Because it blooms within the glass, a bit extra rye spice comes into play with fennel, sage, and slightly pickling spice including a savory, natural edge to a few of that preliminary sweetness and discovering fairly a pleasant stability.
The nostril might solely be barely totally different than I recall, however the palate has actually progressed, buying and selling in some barrel-driven chocolate and cocoa for extra fruits and spices. It stays impressively approachable for a 100% rye with a spherical, silky mouthfeel that compliments early notes of cherry cordial, Andes mints, and vanilla buttercream. The midpalate hums with baking spice, darkish berry jam, and licorice undertones earlier than giving solution to a wealthy, heat end of black tea, oatmeal raisin cookies, and fruit-filled Christmas cake.
The outdated Epoch was admirable, however this newest incarnation is on one other degree. Distribution is presently restricted to the distillery reward store and some on-line retailers, so I suppose discover a solution to get to Baltimore.
100 proof.
A / $65
Baltimore Spirits Epoch Reserve Straight Rye
USD65
Visited 12 occasions, 12 go to(s) right now
