Disclosure: This sample was given to me by Proof & Wood for review.
The Stranger 7 Year Polish Rye Whiskey
Specs
ABV: 52.5%
Age: 7 Years
Recipe: 100% rye
Distiller: Kozuba & Sons
Country: Poland
Price Paid (MSRP): N/A ($72 /750ml)
Tasting Notes
Nose: Cool and herbal, wintergreen, young oak, heavy on the clove, biscotti, vanilla, and damp earthy must.
Palate: Medium to thin mouth feel with a sharp bite, spear mint, sweet caramel, rye bread crust, vanilla, nutmeg, pine needles and anise.
Finish: Medium length and surprisingly fruity with some mango. Mild oak and then lingering nutmeg and white pepper.
Rating: 75/100 – Great | Well above average
So it turns out Poland can make some great rye! There’s quite a variety of flavors here and they all fit together nicely. Unfortunately, I can’t help but think there was a lot of potential for this whiskey to be something special. I really love the mint paired with the sweeter bread notes, but found the mouth feel was just too light and lacking a much needed heftiness. The nose is wonderful and inviting but the rest of the experience just doesn’t live up to the expectations it creates. It’s still a very nice rye, however it’s one that leaves me dreaming about what could have been.
