I
absolutely
love what Scotch distillers are up to these days. Apart from
all the usual geographical differences, grain and weather
variations, different water sources, and of course, various
methods of distillation and peat smoking and filtration, those
wily Scots have upped the ante.
Some
are aging spirits close to the ocean to give them a bit of
a salty flavor. They are experimenting with different casks,
from first fill casks, to ex-rye and ex-sherry and ex-bourbon
casks, to get more and ever unique flavor profiles. They are
making available more and more single malts, while crafting
even tastier blends. It just seems there is unlimited potential
in this already delightful spirit.
And
today, we get to try Johnnie Walker's Select Cask,
Rye Cask Finish 10 year old blended Scotch. Boy,
that's a mouthful just saying what it is! And speaking of
a mouthful, let's get a taste. This blend starts with Cardhu
single malt at its heart and then other 10 year old scotches
are added that have aged in first-fill American Oak casks.
This blend is then further aged in ex-rye whiskey casks.
The
nose is a mellow oaky mélange of peat, with a hint
of smoke, rye, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. The palate is
peppery, smoky and oaky, with malt and citrus and rye bringing
up the tail end of these flavors. The finish is sweet and
smoky and peppery leaving behind a spicy feel in the throat
that lasts a medium amount of time. This is an interesting
Scotch in that it evenly combines numerous aromas and flavors
in a perfectly layered approach that is light, bright, smoky
and spicy yet not overly complicated and quite enjoyable.
I do believe the rye brings another dimension to this Scotch,
and it is utilized lightly yet makes quite the impression.
Looks like another hit from Johnnie Walker.
This
Johnnie Walker Select Cask Rye Cask Finish
scotch is 92 proof or 46% ABV and can be found for around
$45.00 to $57.99 per 750ML bottle.
By George Brozowski
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