Catoctin Creek's Ragnarök Rye is where Virginia craft meets heavy metal chaos. This GWAR collaboration isn't just a novelty — it's a genuinely well-crafted whisky that showcases what pot-stilled 100% rye can deliver.

The nose opens with assertive rye spice, followed by caramel sweetness and a subtle smokiness that adds intrigue. Vanilla rounds things out, creating a welcoming but complex aroma.

On the palate, bold rye spice takes center stage. Dark fruit — think plum and raisin — adds depth, while vanilla and oak create a warm, enveloping character. The pot-still production gives it a distinctive mouthfeel that sets it apart from column-distilled competitors.

The finish is where Ragnarök impresses most. It's long and warming, with lingering spice and vanilla that invite you back for another sip. The cherrywood and sugar maple barrel finishing adds subtle layers of complexity.

At $99, this is a special-occasion whisky that delivers a unique Virginia perspective on rye. The GWAR branding is fun, but the liquid in the bottle is the real star.