Yea, you heard that right, Johnnie walker Rye cask finish, that is no mistake. Now , the guys at JW have been quite busy of late , with quite a few new editions (mostly the Duty free edition, with the Explorer’s club. This time we’re speaking about another range called the “The select casks”. The first installement has been finsihed in Rye casks, and thus, called “Rye Cask”, there will be others coming in the future, as per JW.
The whisky is a blended JW that is matured for 10 years in first-fill American Oak casks that have previously held Bourbon and then finished for six months in American Rye casks. This combination imparts rich layers of flavor with hints of spice and vanillawoven throughout. Priced at $45 , this is going to be availble really soon in the NA market, and some other markerts will follow.
Let’s Get tasting, shall we?
Johnnie Walker Rye Cask Finish, 46% abv, $45
Nose: A very nice , and different nose, with quite some spice and vanilla: Cinnamon, all spice, and a hint of mint leaves, cereal and maple. Rich and rounded, with enough spice, and zing (some orange peel too), A nice start no doubt!
Palate: Big and spicy, with fresh sandalwood, wood shaving, as well as cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup, pepper as well as punchy ginger and baking spices. The wood continues, as it gets creamier and more rounded, but still very pronounced , with the cinnamon punch (spicy hot cinnamon).
Finish: Dry and spicy, with lots of baking spices, and vanilla, going a long way with the woody notes. Getting bitter-ish with the cereal notes.
Bottom line:
This is indeed a lovely whisky, and a very nice change of pace from the regulat JW range. It’s spicy, and bold and does offer a very nice and different experience than your average JW blend. It will be very nice as a sipper, and no doubt will also be a good base for some whisky cocktails. A nice start for the “select casks”. I will be looking to try future cask finishes, hoping they will be as good as this. Good Work JW.
Score: 84/100
Official sample provided by Diageo.
I’m sorry but what the hell is a “rye cask” is this basically a cask that previously held maturing rye?
I know they’re trying to use casks that are different due to the lack of available casks and issues over the possible allowing bourbon producers to reuse casks, but this seems to be a truly weird combination.
Well, i think Rye cask means a cask that previously used to mature American Rye #whiskey. whatever the reason, i find this whisky better than the usual JW. a very nice touch added by the rye, with the spice, punch and sweetness. Have you tried that bro?
Yeah it just seems a bit weird, does it specify american oak barrel which previously held rye etc?
I’m not a fan of Rye, so this one worries me a little, i’ve not had it, or received a sample, and with my dislike to rye normally it would be one i would avoid
fyi with Rye whiskies i get a slightly toasted nutty brown bread note thats a bit sour and I’m not keen on it 🙁
I’m quite keen on some Ryes myself so i liked it.
I think this one packs quite some flavour and punch and is a nice change of pace. if you’re interested i can send over a sample your way. (still waiting on yours..)
Age Stated…Nice change of pace for a new release…
yes, isn’t it?