Black Market Spirits Black Market 5 Year Rye Review.

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Black Market Spirits Black Market 5 Year Rye Review.

Black Market Spirits Black Market 5 Year Rye  
     I received this spirit as a review sample from Black Market Spirits. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.


    Black Market Spirits continues to carve out an interesting lane in the whiskey world. Based out of California, they’ve been experimenting across multiple spirit categories, but for this release they’ve sourced rye from one of Kentucky’s most respected distilleries: Green River. Knowing Green River’s recent track record with rye whiskey, expectations were already high.
    
    About a year ago, I reviewed their three-year rye and walked away impressed. Now, with two additional years of age, this five-year expression feels like a natural evolution. The question is simple: does the extra time in barrel elevate the profile?


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ggPBuQVy5oM.


Age Statement: 5 years.

ABV: 49%.


Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Owensboro, Kentucky.

Appearance: Light golden.


On the nose:
    Immediately fresh and expressive. There’s a burst of rye spice upfront, followed by a garden-like herbal quality. Mint, sage, and thyme rise out of the glass, along with a delicate floral character reminiscent of a fresh bouquet. Black pepper weaves through the aroma, supported by a subtle barley sweetness and just a touch of waxiness. Notably absent are harsh ethanol notes or heavy medicinal tones.


Taste:
    The palate closely mirrors the nose, which is always a welcome sign. Floral rye spice leads the way, layered with herbal notes of sage and mint. There’s a gentle rye grain sweetness that balances the spice without veering into fruity territory. The malted barley shows up lightly, adding depth without distracting from the core rye character. The mouthfeel is soft and approachable, with no sharp edges.


Finish:
    The finish carries that spicy-sweet rye character forward. Herbal notes linger, accompanied by black pepper warmth and a pleasant, clean fade. It leaves you ready for another sip without overwhelming the senses.


Final Thoughts: 
    At around $60, this feels properly positioned in today’s market. It delivers a refined take on the classic 95/5 rye profile, leaning into floral and herbal complexity rather than medicinal sharpness. The 49% ABV gives it structure while keeping it versatile. It would shine in a Manhattan but is equally enjoyable neat. This is comfortably above average and could easily compete with other Green River ryes currently on shelves.


Rating: B+ (Above average).

Cost: $59.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ggPBuQVy5oM.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt.

Learn more about Black Market Spirits via the link here: https://blackmarketspirits.com/.

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