Taster

Nose: Lean and young with medium intensity. Freshly ground cumin seed, green peppercorn, mint, bitter orange, hazelnut, peanut brittle. Touch of the hay-loft.

Palate: Quite silky and light to start, then the rye kicks in like a mule. Sherbet, ginger and spice.

Finish: Medium length, intense, dry with a lovely sour edge.

Comment: A cracking, edgy drink and alongside the fuller Overholt a real bargain. Great for barmen and beginners alike.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: Gentlemen's clubs. Leather armchairs. Tobacco.

Palate: Very smooth indeed. Opulent, but not a great deal of complexity. Luxurious. Cherries in brandy. Candied plums. Vanilla.

Finish: Sweetish. Delicious.

Comment: An old classic, originally from Maryland. Emphatically a rye, though in this instance that grain is in fruity mood, rather than being overtly spicy.

Score: 7.8