Seared mint | Nutmeg | Cinnamon | Red apple | Dark brown sugar

Star anise | Big juicy dark fruits | Black peppercorn | Burnt orange | Cinnamon stick

Seared mint | Dry leather | Charred oak | Cinnamon spice | Bold heat lingers

Star Trek Spirits has honored the 58 year old science fiction brand by releasing spirits that pay homage to drinks seen or inspired by the show. Launching in 2018, they made waves in 2022 with the release of their first two “Romulan Ales,” a vodka and a rye, both colored the traditional blue seen in the movies and bottled in the same design. For the follow-up release, Star Trek Spirits partnered with Stellum Spirits, of Barrell Bourbon fame. This time out, though, the blue coloring is gone, and the quality of whiskey is vastly improved, a tradeoff that could be debated endlessly amongst Star Trek fans.

Stellum Spirits has a knack for selecting and blending whiskeys, and this rye release is yet another example of it. It features a robust aroma of seared mint, nutmeg, cinnamon, red apple, and dark brown sugar. Star anise and a range of big juicy red fruit notes power the palate with black peppercorn, burnt orange, and cinnamon following. Finally, the finish brings back seared mint in a big way, accompanied by leather, charred oak, and cinnamon, with a bold, lingering heat, showcasing the whiskey’s proof.

With the first two releases in the Romulan series, the youthful spirits could easily be overlooked because of the incredible packaging they came in. This time out, the whiskey is vastly improved, and if your head-cannon will allow it, there is a possibility that Romulans drank brown spirits too. Romulan Stellum Rye is a bold sip through and through, and if you like your ryes in that style, there will be a lot to love here. If the Federation ever comes knocking, remember to tell them you only use your Romulan Ale “for medicinal purposes.”

The bottle in review is number 607.