Rare Character Hurst Knoll Rye Lexington, Kentucky, USA NOSE: Bright citrus (lime and orange zest) and warm rye spice up front. Caramelized sugar and toasted oak create a warm, inviting sweetness. Subtle honeysuckle or dried herbs and light floral notes sometimes emerge with aeration. PALATE: Initially mildly sweet, with citrus tartness (lime) and classic rye spice like cloves and cracked black pepper. Caramel and honeyed grain lead to warm baking spices, cinnamon bark, and balanced oak. FINISH: Medium-long finish with lingering black pepper, baking spice, and warm wood. A touch of citrus pith and spice holds through the tail, making it very pleasant neat. NOTES: It’s a citrus-forward rye with classic spice balance and enough depth to be intriguing neat but structured enough to perform beautifully in cocktails like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey — minimum 7 years, 101 proof (50.5% ABV).