Brilliant amber color. Dense, very spicy and complex, aromas and flavors of citrus-carrot chutney, exotic herbs, leather, beeswax candle, cocoa, and creme brulee with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a long, generous finish with layers of flavor. Powerfully delicious and intricate.
95 points, Beverage Testing Institute (Feb 2013)
Sweet Valencia oranges - just-squeezed and sweetened with buttered caramel - is a perfumed incense that begins the steady flow of aromas and flavors of this 90-proof Canadian rye. A distinct taste and sense of cinnamon buns warming in the oven with an eggnog back is more proof of an amazing liquid. Toffee, pepper and wheat toast soothe to the finish.
95 points, Tasting Panel (Jan 2012)
The complex aroma suggests rich caramel, maple and butterscotch. The same flavors are echoed on the palate, showing a flash of sweetness, drying alcohol heat and a spicy finish. Water tames this 100% rye to a maple-almond flavor profile, finishing with cocoa and plenty of mouthwatering spice.
94 points, Wine Enthusiast (Jul 2016)
Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Spirit of 2016
A seamless fusion of rain-moistened earth, gunnysacks, and searing white pepper underpins the delicately bitter grain-like notes of fresh-baked rye bread. Lilacs and violets speak of rye grain, as do delicate cloves and tingling ginger, while dark stewed fruits attest to age. A mingling of hand-selected barrels of 10 year old all rye whisky, Masterson’s is redolent of vintage car leather and kiln-dried burley tobacco, with touches of dry herbs and spearmint. Sweet vanilla envelops early butterscotch.
94 points, Whisky Advocate (Vol. 22, #1)