Pikesville Rye 750ml

The 110 proof hits just right—it’s bold but not harsh, with that cocoa and oak nose carrying through to a smooth, honeyed finish. For a rye this complex at six years, the price feels like a steal.

That honeyed rye spice on the finish is what sold me—it balances the 110 proof perfectly, so each sip feels rich without any burn. The cocoa and oak on the nose are exactly as described, and for a six-year-old whiskey it drinks far more mature than its age suggests.

Opened this expecting a spicy rye, but the cocoa and oak nose is what got me first – it’s rich without being heavy. Six years at 110 proof gives it a honeyed warmth that drinks far smoother than the number suggests; World’s Best Rye feels earned.