Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey review and tasting notes

If you are looking for a well-made, no-frills, easy to drink, but not too extreme rye whiskey the Limestone Branch Distillery Minor Case Straight is a product that does not disappoint. The overall quality is good, there are no trebles; however, the thickness is very high and the raw material is quite expressive. Don’t expect an exhilarating and Pindaric (but also a little crazy) drink like the Whistle Pig.

How Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey is made

Nothing particular to report apart from the final passage of the distillate in sherry barrels, which is excellent for adding oxidized and ripe tones. The name is interesting: Minor Case Beam was the progenitor of the family that started the family business in 1871 and which today has reached the seventh generation.

Organoleptic characteristics of the Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey

Splendid nose, full, warm, buttery and full of candied citrus fruits, spices, marshmallows and popcorn, small berries, streams of tobacco to frame. 

The beauty of the bouquet is that it is bold, dares, flies and sets no limits, even if the hand behind the distillation feels that it is masterful. Impeccable cleanliness and precision. Pungent, but don’t expect pepper and mint flowing, but only hinted at.

On the palate, it is very docile, ample, greedy, fruity and spicy, but never aggressive, on the contrary, the nose is very soft and easy to drink. The complexity is good, the depth is there, it develops first with small red fruits, then sandalwood, mint, spicy returns and spreads out in nutty, oxidized flavors. The final step in sherry cream barrels helps a lot to give substance, that velvety and decadent touch. Long finish, with red fruit in alcohol and a return of dried fruit.

As mentioned, it is not so much a rebellious and cowboy rye whiskey, as excellent meditation rye, to be humanized in a cognac style. It offers a refined fresco that seeks depth and development and not fireworks.

Sip it calmly, obviously without ice.

Price

50-55 euros: in line with competitors in the same quality range.

Cocktail to make

Considering the price, it’s not exactly a working spirit, but if you want to make unforgettable rye cocktails, try it for mixing Manhattan, Old Pal and Brooklyn.

Recommended combinations

Grilled salmon, smoked tuna, trifle, brisket and pulled pork, chocolate salami, blueberry cheesecake, chocolate truffles.