Bold rye spice | Stewed apples | Grounded oak | Sweet vanilla | Sharp cinnamon spice | Hot

Rye spice | Cinnamon syrup | Light baking spices | Faint spiced apples | Vanilla sweetness | Sweetness is nicely interwoven into prominent spice | Nice mouthfeel

Burst of vibrant spice | Crisp apples | Warming spices | Dull vanilla | Touch of dry oak | Short

Starlight Distillery located in Borden, Indiana calls Huber’s Orchard & Winery home. The farm started in 1843 when Simon Huber settled it, and is now in the 7th generation of Hubers living and working on the farm. The family originated from Germany, and with that move, they brought over their expertise in fruit growing. The brand states that their brandy utilizes “home-grown apples and traditional production methods'' to produce the spirit. In order to produce this rye, the distillery aged their signature rye whiskey in barrels that previously held their in-house distilled apple brandy.

The sip reminds me of the fall season and some of the typical flavors in food and drink that are often associated with it. It starts with bold rye spice on the nose that’s combined with stewed apples, sweet vanilla, and sharp cinnamon spice. While the whiskey does little to hide its proof on the nose, it eventually settles down as the sip progresses. The palate delivers a nice mouthfeel with a plethora of spices in the form of rye, Cinnamon syrup, and baking spices. These are joined with sweet vanilla and spiced apples which add a much needed sweet component that nicely tamps down the prominent spice notes. While the finish is on the shorter side, it delivers an array of vibrant spices that wrap things up nicely. Starlight Single Barrel Rye Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels is a nicely done barrel finish bourbon. While the nose and finish don’t match the level delivered by the palate, it’s easy to sip and will please most who have an opportunity to try it.

The bottle in review was bottled on 11/23/2022.