u/OneMoreForScience

This is a 128.6 Proof, 6-year-old rye.

Nose

Heavy marshmallow right up front, then hints of cherry and a lightly astringent edge that keeps it from getting too sweet. After the 3rd or 4th sip, I got a lemony-lime note, like Sprite. It’s bright and doesn’t punch as hard as you’d expect from a 128.6 proof rye. Epoch shows rich malted rye character with cherries and cocoa on the nose. It’s very well developed.

Palate

This one hits fast and hits with a lot. I took a sip and then scrambled to grab a pencil to write down my notes. I tasted so many different flavors on that initial sip, it was a little overwhelming. I was kerfuffled! Ok, now that I’ve got my bearings: Cola  and then some heavy prune notes, which is interesting and works better than it sounds. Now that I’m more settled in, there’s a definite smokiness to this rye that ultimately yields to the rye spices we all know and love. Epoch is creamy, with a great mouth-feel texture and exceptional balance for a six year, 128.6 proof, rye whiskey.

Finish

Pine leads, then root beer. An earthy bitter note grounds the whole thing and keeps it level, and then red fruit. It’s not blackberry, it’s not raspberry — maybe gooseberry? — shows up at the very end just to keep things honest. It’s a dry, complex finish that earns its length.

Score: 8.6/10

Epoch is doing something genuinely great, and six years (which is fairly old compared to most ryes out there) at cask strength is the fullest expression of that yet. This isn’t a rye for someone who wants sweet and approachable — if that’s the case, pick up a bourbon. Epoch is smoky, earthy, complex, and a little wild, and it makes no apologies for any of it. The Maryland rye heritage is on full display here in the glass in ways that are hard to find anywhere else. Absolutely worth your time. Cheers!