Masterson's 10 year Straight Rye, Batch No. 015, Bottle No. 25-544, 45% abv.

Masterson's is a controversial brand since it is a logistical puzzle. Non-distilling producer 35 Maple Street Spirits in Sonoma, California (once owned by 3 Badge Beverage Corporation) picked barrels from Alberta Distillers (owned by Beam Suntory?!) in Alberta, Canada who ships them for bottling in California. I am not sure who or where the distributor is. One of the controversies is that although the spirit is distilled in Canada, it is imported back into Canada. In 2017, 3 Badge Beverge brands Masterson's and Bib & Tucker were sold to Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits who are also importers of Yellow Tail. Interestingly, batch no. 015 is considered the worst of all batches. Of course Korea gets it for cheap.

Nose: vanilla, some citrus, sweetness.

Palate: vanilla, light hint wood, low level spices.

Finish: short, nothing.

Wow this was also quite delicious, not as good as CB Hedonism though. Has a cereal base, and a vanilla that continues to pop out, those coconut and almond flavors. Doesn't taste like any rye whisky I've had. Bartenders said the Compass Box Hedonism and Masterson's 10 year straight rye were both super sweet and similar, which I have to agree. Not sure if my Masterson's tasting was heavily influenced by Hedonism, but if it was, that would mean the Masterson's Straight Rye was significantly sweeter and stronger. A lovely dram!

Grade: B-/C+

Whiskyanalysis.com, 8.88 ± 0.41 on 17 reviews
Whiskyfun, Serge Valentin, SGP:450, 77 points
Malt maniacs, Davin de Kergommeaux, 90 points
Thewhiskeywash, Savannah Weinstock, 90/100
Thewhiskeyjug, Josh Peters, 86-90/100
Whisky advocate, Davin de Kergommeaux, 94 points
A variety of awards throughout the years

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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