Kentucky Owl Rye Whiskey 11 Year

 Vigorous and intense, with flavors of salted licorice, banana, durian, cantaloupe, and overripe, musky tropical fruit in a way that reminds me a little bit of baijiu. There’s also rye bread crust, burnt sugar, spiced cherries, vanilla, and ginger heat. It finishes rather abruptly on pencil shavings and bread.

The high proof drinks quite easily, but out of curiosity, I added a few drops of water. It dialed down the funk, but retained the salty anise flavor; overall, I preferred it at the higher strength.