Review #: 53
Description: Big Bottom Delta Rye
Spirit: Rye
Background: Capping off my secret santa samples, Big Bottom Distillery in Oregon produces their Delta Rye by blending 2 year old straight rye from Indiana (so we will assume it’s from MGP) and 3 year old rye from Canada. Big Bottom appears to have a rather wide portfolio of spirits, from their own distillate to sourced products, let’s see how sourced, but young, rye can taste.
Note: Reviews 43 – 46 and 50 – 53 were done as part of a series of semi-blind samples thanks to my Secret Santa. Please keep in mind that I did not know the specifics until after posting my notes. This was labeled “Delta” and I had recently seen another member of the community review a sample from my Secret Santa with the same name, so I had a sneaking suspicion this was the same whiskey.
Distillery – Blend of MGP and Unknown Canadian Rye
Bottler – Big Bottom Distillery
Brand – Big Bottom
Selection – N/A
ABV – 55.5%
Age – NAS
Nose – Spicy rye, spearmint, cinnamon, earthy
Taste – Sweet vanilla, creme brulee, burnt sugar
Finish – big hit of rye spice, wintergreen, a little jalapeno?, finish stops abruptly with a little lingering warmth
Guess: So, another reviewer got a sample from my secret santa that I’m pretty sure was the same. However, I’ll guess based on how I tasted it. ~45% 4-5 Year Rye, upwards of 75% Rye mashbill
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? I believe it retailed for around $45, which at that price I may grab a bottle, but probably not a second when finished.
Thoughts: This was a really solid offering. I do think I am a bit of a sucker for rye, but I was highly impressed with how well the young products stood up as well as how they worked well with one another. I think it stands up to the Willett and New Riff rye and well priced compared to them too.