There is a lot to like about Crater Lake Estate Rye on paper. At 93 proof and $54.95, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
Considerably darker than the Crater Lake Straight Rye, as befits the additional aging. Dark amber color, with legs that hold up decently on the side of the glass. The ryegrass is much more evident in the mouth than in the nose, but its still subtle all things considered. Interestingly, I taste candy corn, along with cinnamon, pecan pie, and what comes across as a mesquite-wood flavor.
Palate
The rye spice is secondary here to the wood notes. I get honey, brown sugar, apricots, and brazil nuts but not a lot of spice. For this review, I went back and sampled the Crater Lake Straight Rye again, as well. I quickly realized I havent changed my mind about that one. But the Crater Lake Estate Rye is a whiskey of a different order: It does have the stuff to stand up next to the ryes I really enjoy. At $54.95 a bottle, considerably less than some of the ryes I keep around, this is one Ill be adding to the regular rotation on my home bar in the future.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Crater Lake Estate Rye delivers the goods. It is well-made, genuinely enjoyable, and at $54.95 represents solid value for what you are getting. I would happily buy this again.
