Nearest Green Distillery switched over their bourbon to their own distillate in 2022, but their newly launched rye whiskeys originate from Canada. Distilled from 100% rye, the whiskeys will be familiar to anyone who has tasted Canadian rye before. With bold rye spice and rye grain upfront, it isn’t until a candied orange note pops in mid-palate that allows some sweetness to mingle in. The finish introduces a white pepper note along with a touch of leather and seasoned oak. At $59, it fits in with its competition, yet stands out because of its 100% rye mashbill. With some American distilleries slowly moving closer to 100% rye - most notably, MGP with their 95% rye mashbill - it's an area that is currently underdeveloped compared to the wider range of rye whiskeys available. Much like Uncle Nearest’s Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye, the 100 proof version is very similar in its straightforwardness. If you like your rye bold without an overabundance of baking spices and sweet fruit notes, Uncle Nearest Straight Rye is made for you.