If someone had poured this for me, I would have guessed it was some kind of rum, definitely not a bourbon whiskey. It has this sweetness in the aroma that you find in smooth rums, a pleasant scent, not at all too alcoholic, as you might detect in 50% ABV bottlings.
On the other hand, the taste is robust and finishes well with the flavor of brown sugar. It's not a dry experience at all, and certainly not boring. I would imagine if it were served on the rocks, some of the flavors might be subdued. If you're trying to entice a rum drinker to the bourbon side, I would definitely recommend this one.
RY3 Rum Cask Finish 61,6% Cask Strength
Now, let's go straight to a bottling right from the barrel. It sounds delicious, looks delicious, and has an incredibly rich color reminiscent of bourbons. The aroma is like a delicious maple syrup you open on a Sunday for your freshly made pancakes. Round, delicious, and soft in fragrance. I sense it's somewhat akin to a Makers Mark in its scent. The somewhat raw, corn-like distillation that imparts the tasty flavor is present.
The taste is delicious; wow, what a flavor! I'm already a fan at this point. While the first RY3 was more of a, well, I've tasted this before kind of dram, this one makes me say, "please send me a bottle." It's raw in flavor with its 61.6%, tingling nicely on the tongue and delivering the sweetness from the rum barrel. Definitely an "on the rocks" version, not to obscure the high proof, but to allow the barrel to open up.
RY3 toasted barrel 59,9% Cask Strength
The last one is a Toasted Barrel release that should provide a more spiced flavor. The aroma is actually lovely again, with this brown sugar scent coming forward. Vanilla fragrance and pure sweetness are pervasive. They've presented a fine aroma that doesn't feel too much like whiskey.
Spiced, yes, that's a fitting description—quite spicy and quite dry on the palate. This one is for the seasoned bourbon fans because you need to get accustomed to it. It's raw in character, and the spicy flavor hits the tongue right away. Would I go "on the rocks" with this one? No, I don't think so, because it would flatten out, and the spiced flavor would fade, and that would be a shame. I prefer it neat, and there's still a bold raw flavor here. These are definitely good releases.
Conclusion
Should one grab a RY3? The short answer is yes, the more elaborate answer is that they have to compete in a market with brands like Michter's, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniel's - yes, they must be mentioned. I actually think that this is good bourbon whiskey that delivers the goods, and the price is fair when they just give that extra touch. If you were to choose a bottle, it would be the 61.6% Cask Strength; that's clearly my favorite.
