There is a lot to like about Wilderness Trail Distillery Settlers Select Rye Whiskey on paper. At 50% ABV and bottled at 52, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
This is amber and burnt orange in color and has slow long legs.
Palate
I smell banana, caramel, and black pepper with subtle notes of allspice and clove. There is an overall sweetness throughout this. I get a lot of caramel and toasted oak on the front. This transitions to a leathery spice at the mid-palate. The finish leaves my mouth dry with a slight astringency. The addition of water brings out a number of flavors I didnt get straight out of the bottle. I get a hint of menthol right before the finish, which has lemon balm accompanied with a slight vegetal quality.
Finish
This is certainly worth a try, but I dont think of this as a crowd pleaser. Some people will really enjoy the high proof and flavors of this while others will be put off. I found myself enjoying it much more with a bit of dilution than I did straight from the bottle.
The Bottom Line
Wilderness Trail Distillery Settlers Select Rye Whiskey delivers the goods. It is well-made, genuinely enjoyable, and represents solid value for what you are getting. I would happily buy this again.
