Today’s review is of a bottle known for its beautiful and elegant labels, often unique whiskey, yet quite stupidly over-priced and expensive price tag. From Orphan Barrel, today’s review is of Orphan Barrel Scarlet Shade 14-Year Rye Whiskey.

From the Orphan Barrel website: Coming across a 14-year-old Rye is rare, giving our master blenders pause when presented with such a uniquely bold liquid. A born traveler, this whiskey was distilled in Indiana and then journeyed across state lines into Kentucky, aged to perfection at the infamous Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

A full-bodied aroma of sweet vanilla butter cream and lightly toasted oak is accented with banana bread and just a hint of berries. Upon taste, a collection of baking spices and rye toast complement a medley of orchard fruits, and finishes with sweet notes of orange marmalade and a light warmth which fades into lingering dark chocolate.

In all honesty, I thought I would not see this bottle as the new Orphan Barrel bottles have become increasingly hard to find in NoCo. Nonetheless, a huge shout out to Fort Collins Warehouse Liquors as they have always treated us well and have offered some hard-to-find bottles we would otherwise not find. Overall, this is one of the best low-proof rye whiskies I have ever had! This is your typical rye, but this whiskey is full of flavor with an excellent finish. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Rye and Baking Spices, Sweet Buttercream, Raspberry, Apple, and Slight Dill
• Palate: Baking/Rye Spices, Vanilla, Caramel, Red Fruit (Fuji Apple/Raspberry), Cacao, and Oak
• Finish: Medium to Long with Lingering Notes of a Nondescript Sweetness (Maybe Cacao), Baking Spice, and Dry Oak
• 2023 MSRP: $199
• 2023 National Average: $399
• Proof: 90
• My Rating: Save It! (This bottle is stupidly expensive, but one of the best low-proof ryes I have had to date!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman