J. Mattingly 1845 Spearmint Rye-No

A little background

Based out of Georgetown, Kentucky, J. Mattingly 1845 is the premium label under the Bourbon 30 Spirits name. According to their website, J. Mattingly 1845 commemorates the year Master Crafter Jeff Mattingly’s great-great-great uncle, John Graves Mattingly, started the second registered distillery in Kentucky; Mattingly & Sons. Jeff uses his knowledge from the culinary world to finish barrels to people’s likings. At the distillery, people are able to sample a lot fo whiskey as well as select their own barrel. Spearmint Rye is a 4 year old single barrel straight rye whiskey. Each of the 50 bottles in this release were bottled at 108 proof. Like all J. Mattingly 1845 releases, Spearmint Rye-No was sold at a price of $120.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Yellow Gold

Nose

This one lives up to its name on the nose. Spearmint and rye spice are immediately present, followed up by dill. A tiny bit of sweet corn and pine are noticeable, but are fairly subdued.

Palate

The palate has a medium viscosity, and is extremely approachable. Spearmint is definitely the most predominant flavor, it is the most mint I have ever tasted on any whiskey, period. Rye spice follows the massive mint wave, as it puts a nice tingling sensation on the mid palate. There is not a whole lot of flavor complexity, but it is not really needed, as the spearmint lights up the entire palate like a Christmas tree.

Finish

The finish is heavy on spearmint and light on rye spice, but also has a really neat toasted English muffin flavor to it as well. It is not super complex either, but sure is tasty.

In closing

I thought this was a very unique, flavorful whiskey. I have never tried something that had such a massive mint palate, its like you’re a guy one of those 5 Gum commercials (you know which ones I’m talking about). I think the price is a little high on this one for what you’re getting, but regardless, it’s very good. I am thoroughly enjoying the different J. Mattingly 1845 releases I’ve had the pleasure of tasting. I would highly recommend checking them out!