Square 6 High Rye Whiskey, produced by like Evan Williams releasing bottles from modest at 95 proof — at $90, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
Light body, noticeable clarity, and a mild red hue giving the pour an amber or copper color. Strongly bread-y aromas. A mild tingle of rye spice combines with a noticeable but not unpleasant hint of ethanol adding up to buttered corn bread alongside yeasty, rising bread dough.
Palate
Slightly oily mouthfeel. The impression of unbaked bread dough persists but now within a slight oak and vanilla context that fades into chewing-gum cinnamon spice.
Finish
Conceptually theres a lot to like in the idea of a big producer like Evan Williams releasing bottles from modest, basically craft-distillers hardware. Its sort of a similar feeling to when you see your favorite pop star walk onto the stage alone with an acoustic guitar. Evan Williams fans and aficionados in particular will find value and interest in tasting what Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau is up to here. rnrnBecause time is strange, there is something quite innovative in a return to traditional methodologies in 2023. This bottle has some unique and interesting moments that make it worth a pour, though it will be hard to find anywhere except the Bourbon Experience so the price is, to my mind, most reflective of the intrigue and scarcity resulting from the process.
The Bottom Line
Square 6 High Rye Whiskey is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $90, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
