Fresh cut grain | Toasted cinnamon | Herb garden | Barn wood | Earthy | Faint dark chocolate | Intriguing

Cinnamon apple | Baking spices | Ground cinnamon | Rye grain | Vanilla powder | Apple raisin bread

Rye spice | Light chewy oak | Baking spices | Green peppercorn

Finger Lakes Distilling is located on the southeast side of Seneca Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region. The brainchild of Brian McKenzie, the company was one of the earliest craft whiskey distilleries in New York, having started operations in 2007. Finger Lakes Distilling uses locally sourced grains for their products, and produces a variety of different whiskeys and liqueurs, with the McKenzie whiskey brand being what they’re most known for.

Finger Lakes Distilling was one of the founding distilleries in the Empire Rye movement that led to a new established designation in 2015. As a category, Empire Rye has had a slow lift-off in the market outside of New York, however, that doesn’t make the category any less intriguing. Utilizing rye grain grown in New York, this 6 year old bottled in bond expression from Finger Lakes Distilling represents some of the oldest ongoing standard whiskey that the brand releases. Compared to their standard rye, the sip comes across as much more defined.

Lifting the glass up brings an intriguing aroma that is full of earthy scents. Fresh cut grain and toasted cinnamon collide against scents of an herb garden and barn wood. These grounded flavors lead you into a midpoint that highlights cinnamon apple, rye grain, and various spices before ending on a gentle spice-filled finish. Overall, McKenzie Bottled in Bond Rye delivers an intriguing flavor profile that is different from more traditional tasting Kentucky or Indiana ryes, however, it’s very satisfying at the same time. This is a great rye for rye lovers who are seeking out something different, and especially those who are looking to try an example of an Empire Rye whiskey.