Corsair Ryemageddon is an interesting all rye whiskey made from 80% malted rye and 20% chocolate rye which is a toasted rye grain used to add roasty cocoa notes to anything they’re used in. I really enjoyed this 100% rye whiskey from the night we did the Corsair tasting, the way the rye character of this whiskey rolled out and expanded with air and time was quite nice.
It’s already an established fact that I’m a fan of Corsair and what they do, and being a fan I can’t help but wonder what all of their experiments and whiskies would taste like if they were aged in full sized barrels in a traditional rickhouse for an extended period of time. I wonder how much richer and deeper their flavors and aromas could be… or maybe they wouldn’t? Maybe they’ve done so well at dialing in their small barrel aging with their spirits that the full 53 gallon ones would pale in comparison. I don’t think that would be the case, and honestly have no idea, but I sure would like to find out.
Corsair Ryemageddon Info
Region: Tennessee, USA
Distiller: Corsair
Mashbill: 80% Malted rye, 20% Chocolate rye
Cask: New charred oak (15 gallon barrels)
Age: NAS (supposedly just under a year ~11 months)
ABV: 46%
Price: $50
Corsair Ryemageddon Review
EYE
Tea
NOSE
Citrus candy, rye spice, sugar, cocoa powder and a toasty note that, when paired with the rye spice, kind of reminds me of rye toast. Light notes of caramel taffy and wood round out the pleasant aroma.
PALATE
Rye spice, toasted grains (rye toast), cinnamon heavy baking spice and a bit of “sweetness” accompanied by light notes of chocolate and wood. It’s tasty for sure, but it’s lacking a sense of true depth.
FINISH
Medium fade of cocoa, rye spice and straw.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decent balance, medium body and a mild / soft feel.
OVERALL
Corsair Ryemageddon is unabashedly a rye whiskey. It’s nice and tasty, but it doesn’t really hit that next level of depth I’m looking for to kick it up a level. It’s one of those whiskeys that I’d love to have on hand for sipping and mixing up interesting cocktails, but it’s not quite a must have. Though I will say that it’s among my favorite bar pours when it’s available at a decent price.
SCORE: 83-86/100 (B, consumed at a tasting)
