2021 Thomas H. Handy 6yr 129.5°


 

Nose: A comforting nose with an air of sweet rye.  Very reminiscence of Thomas H. Handy’s rye with more of a sweet profile intermingling.  The image of being atop a mountain as the sun is rising comes to mind – particularly a backing packing trip to the Red River Gorge for me.  The nose is so pleasant with a little bit of grassiness that comes with the joy of gardening - a subtle note of earthiness - a very enjoyable nose.    

 

Palate:  The candied rye sweetness that we love with Handy comes immediately at the forefront of the flavor.  Not necessarily a smack in the face, but a reminder that this is what I am, enjoy it – love it.  More notes of rye come in the backdrop but are still dominated by sweetness.  The flavor is dense, even by Handy’s standards.  The heat comes a little in the second sip – warming the chest and crevices of the mouth.  It lingers and holds a long embrace for the finish.  An image of looking at seagulls fly off comes to mind; you enjoy the elegance and grace and almost wish it didn’t leave and yet continue to enjoy it. 

 

Verdict:  One of the better Thomas H. Handy in recent memory. I’ll continue to enjoy this and pretend it is Pumpkin Spice in this fall weather. 

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