Mammoth Distilling - Borrowed Time - 16 Year Single Barrel
$69
Mammoth Distilling – Borrowed Time – 16 Year Single Barrel
Collection: Barrel: 423 – Bottle: 211 – Total Wine and More
Proof: 128
Age: 16 Year
Distillery: Unknown Distillery / Aged Blended and Bottled By Mammoth Distilling
Type: Rye Whiskey
Mash: Unknown (51%+ Rye)
Website: Mammoth Distilling
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Very Floral and Earthy. Rose Petal, Lemon Zest, Wet Oak, Nutmeg, Vanilla Bean, and Rye Spice. For 128 Proof the alcohol heat is very muted on the nose.
Taste/Palate: Alcohol is not muted on the palate, but is still is tame for 128 proof. Charred Oak, Zesty Orange, Hints of Earthy Floral, Caramel, Honey, Old Leather, and Rye Spice with Nutmeg.
Finish: Long and mature finish with Sweet Honey. The Charred Oak, Floral, Leather, and Sweet Caramel come through and linger for a pleasant finish. There is plenty mouth tingle going on, but this isn’t scorched earth which you sometimes get with a high proof rye.
Verdict: This is the highest proof Rye I’ve had to date. I really really like this. I will have to check to see if there is a back up bottle I can grab to keep on reserve. In my opinion Ryes are hit or miss. Some of the most coveted Ryes are considered unicorns and to me taste like green tea with mint. That’s not my jam. This variation stacks up against a 4 Roses Barrel Strength High Rye, but with more proof (and mostly Rye of course). Great taste, 16 year, Single Barrel, $69… This is a top value. Not for everyone, but if you can drink a high proof dram straight and enjoy it, this one shouldn’t disappoint. I’ve tried 3 different Whistle Pig: Boss Hog pours and I would take this over all three of them for almost 10x less.
The Story: Let’s keep this short and sweet. I saw a 16 year old, single barrel rye, for under $100. Why not. Great decision. I can’t stress this enough… Too many out there are chasing coveted bottles so they can stack them up and post a photo on Instagram or Facebook. When this is sitting on the shelf and blows most out of the water. I saw it again a month later when I went back into the store. While I was in total wine I over heard “Do you have Blanton’s or Eagle Rare?” My first thought was how cliché… but then I thought… Good keep chasing the BT products and I won’t have to beg, borrow, and steal to get this gem. I’m not a Buffalo Trace hater. Not at all, they make great products. One thing that Buffalo Trace is missing is something of this caliber, at this price point, and available on the shelf. You’d have to venture into the antique collection to get a high proof rye out of Buffalo Trace, and good luck finding it at MSRP. Crap, that wasn’t short and sweet.
The Distillery’s Story: “Mammoth spirits are hewn from the glacial lakes and hills of Northern Michigan, and reflect the local, ancient character of the ingredients we use in every batch.
What are Borrowed Time Spirits?
In addition to our complete line of base-distilled spirits bottled in the hand hewn product line, we actively search the world for the best spirits that we can’t make ourselves, either because they’re aged longer than we’ve been in business, or they’re product categories that can’t be made in the United States. Our Borrowed Time category is a fun and rewarding way for us to collaborate with other great spirit makers.”
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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