SHARE WITH: Any fan of unique bottle-in-bond expressions.

WORTH THE PRICE: Like their standard rye, it should be $15-$20 less despite being tasty.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: If the price isn't off-putting enough to dissuade you from buying a new bottled-in-bond whiskey, then buy a bottle!

OVERALL: While New York Distilling Company's standard rye expression is only aged for 3 years and lacks the punch to capture a serious whiskey enthusiast's attention, their 4-year Bottled-In-Bond offering is here to pick up the slack. The aromas it presents are immediately inviting, starting with salted caramel, suntan lotion, and lavender medley that work in harmony despite being a bit unusual. They're followed by more entrancing notes like stewed apples, cookie dough, and Brazil nuts and before one even has a chance to give it a taste the mouth is watering!

Following through on the palate are primarily the notes of cookie dough and caramel while some limestone water and even green pepper hang around on the finish making this a balanced and delightful pour. One of NYDC's guiding lights, as evidenced by the name they've given their core rye expressions, is the rich cocktail culture of New York's past. With their Bottled-In-Bond expression, they've embraced New York's distilling future by adhering to the state's recently implemented "Empire Rye" regulations which require that at least 75 percent of the mash bill be New York State-grown rye grain, which may be raw, malted or a combination of the two. Furthermore, it must be mashed, fermented, distilled, barreled and aged at a single New York State distillery (Black Dirt distillery in Pine Island, New York in this case.)

New York Distilling Co. was one of the six founding members to push for the Empire Rye regulations back in 2015. By banding together with other New York distilleries to establish the standard, they're not only supporting local formers but helping usher in a whiskey style that is unique to the region. With an eye to the future and a tasty exemplar of Empire Rye in their portfolio, it's clear that NYDC is looking to honor the past and forge a new future at the same time. In this bottled-in-bond expression, I do believe they've hit the mark.

Adhering to strict Federal Bottled in Bond & Empire Rye Regulations, this expression of our flagship Rye hints at tropical notes with plum aromas and a delicious Crème Brûlée & warm oak flavor. Add some ice to open it up and get some secondary apricot & banana chips in the finish.