Reviews of Raconteur Rye: Gemini I and II

 

Raconteur - [räkänˈtər] – noun. A person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way

 

I don’t often talk about other whiskey reviewers; however, there is a small but growing trend among those who start their own whiskey brands. One of the more prevalent is David Jennings, a/k/a Rare Bird 101, who specializes in news and reviews of Wild Turkey. He’s also an accomplished author.

 

David has partnered with James Symons to create Raconteur Rye. Its two newest releases are called Gemini I and Gemini II. MGP distilled one Rye, while the other is from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery (which I suspect is Bardstown Bourbon Company). Both are bottled by Louisville’s WoodWork Collective and were finished in Mizunara casks.

 

“Finishing whiskey often involves surprises, as was the case with ‘Gemini.’ Originally intended as two distinct batches to be released months apart, the flavor profiles declared otherwise. After much consideration, we decided a coinciding release would provide an opportunity for whiskey enthusiasts to compare two Mizunara finished rye whiskeys of the same age and mash bill from different states. A dual release would also provide discerning consumers a choice based on personal preference.” – Racounter Rye

 

As they’re meant to be compared, I’m going to explore both today, and that’s thanks to Racounter Rye for providing me with samples of each in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

I utilized a fresh Glencairn glass for each whiskey and sipped them both neat. I also allowed each to rest for about 15 minutes before exploring them beyond their appearances. Now, let’s #DrinkCurious!

 

Racounter Rye - Gemini I

 

• Whiskey Type: American Rye
• Distiller: MGP
• Age: 8 years
• Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
• Cooperage: New, 53-gallon charred oak barrels finished in Mizunara casks, 48-month cured and toasted American oak barrels, and barely legal Indiana Rye barrels.
• Alcohol Content: 63.3% ABV (126.6°)
• Price per 750mL: $129.99

 

Appearance: This Rye appeared as the color of a dull penny. It formed a thin rim with thicker, crowded tears.

 

Nose: As I explored the aroma, I found notes of vanilla, candied pecans, buttercream, orange zest, and tobacco. It was completely atypical of what a 95/5 American Rye should smell like! When I inhaled the vapor into my mouth, I thought of freshly-baked rye bread.

 

Palate: The texture was dense and creamy. The palate was a shock of mint and oak. With the second sip, I discerned orange peel, vanilla, and mint on the front of my palate. The middle consisted of leather, toasted coconut, and cola, while the back featured sweet oak, bold clove, and ginger spice.  

 

Finish: The oak, ginger spice, clove, and cola hung on for dear life. Mint came back as if it stormed through swinging doors and demanded the spotlight. It began strongly and slowly faded off; the entire duration lasted 1:36, making it medium-long to long.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: That first sip was classic MGP American Rye, albeit hotter than what I’d expect. I’ve said this many times – don’t decide on any whiskey based on the introduction. While the spice was still there, it was far more manageable (and palatable). There was a good balance between spicy and sweeter notes. The cola was an interesting transition point.

 

I’m assuming that the barely legal Rye finish contributed to the sweeter notes, whereas the Mizunara allowed for the coconut notes. I thought there would be more honey and fruity notes (which are typical for Mizunara). Regardless, it was a pleasurable, captivating experience.

 

On my Bottle, Bar, or Bust scale, I believe Gemini I is unique enough to warrant a Bottle rating.     

 

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Racounter Rye - Gemini II

 

• Whiskey Type: American Rye
• Distiller: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery (suspected Bardstown Bourbon Company)
• Age: 8 years
• Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
• Cooperage: New, 53-gallon charred oak barrels finished in Mizunara casks
• Alcohol Content: 60.4% ABV (120.8°)
• Price per 750mL: $129.99

 

Appearance: Gemini II had a reddish-rusty color and created a thick, jagged rim. There were no uniform tears; some were thick, some thin, some widely spaced, while others weren’t.

 

Nose: As I brought my glass beneath my nostrils and inhaled, there was a wall of mint that I had to plow through. I then encountered vanilla, toffee, grapefruit peel, and sweet oak. I drew the air through my lips and found leather and oak.

 

Palate: The mouthfeel was soft and silky. If there was palate shock, it went unnoticed. Instead, I found toasted pecans, caramel, and leather on the front. Flavors of candied ginger, cherries, and toasted coconut hit my mid-palate; notes of charred oak, rye spice, and clove were on the back.

 

Suddenly, orange and lemon zests appeared out of nowhere. Coconut, caramel, oak spice, and candied ginger joined the stage. My stopwatch indicated a duration of 2:14. It was relatively even, slowly dropping off over the last 15 or so seconds.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: The Mizunara influence was easier to detect with Gemini II. At this proof, combined with the mashbill, there should have been some palate shock. Not only was it absent, but I thought it drank much closer to 110° than its stated 120°.

 

What’s more is that, after tasting this, I’m more convinced the actual distiller is Bardstown Bourbon Company. There were enough tells that caused me to arrive at that conclusion. You’re talking brands like Chicken Cock and High West. Whether I’m right or wrong, that’s what is tickling my mind.

 

As far as my rating, I believe Raconteur Rye did a good job here with a delightful, flavorful Rye – one that earned my Bottle rating.

 

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Final Thoughts: Between the two, I preferred Gemini I. There was just something so unusual about it that captivated my interest. I don’t think you could go wrong with either; they’re both good and demonstrate what can be done with 95/5 American Ryes. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.