Hudson Maple Cask Rye Whiskey
Hudson Maple Cask Rye Whiskey, 46 %
Finally I get to try a new whiskey from New York state distillery Tuthilltown Spirits, the home of Hudson whiskey. I reviewed their core range back in 2012, and more recently I revisited the Baby Bourbon. Today I am reviewing the limited edition Hudson Maple Cask Rye Whiskey.
Here's what they say about it on their website:
We send used Hudson Whiskey barrels to Woods Syrup, a maple syrup producer in Vermont that ages syrup in the barrels, decants them, then sends them back to Tuthilltown. At that point we finish off a small selection of rye in the used casks. The result is a sultry, slightly decadent spirit that never loses its rye character.
So this is a sort of a flavored whiskey, but done the right way, in my mind. Tuthilltown Spirits produces this product as a limited edition once a year. I do not know how limited, but I had no problems picking up a bottle.
I am tasting Batch 1, 2014, and the price for a 375 ml bottle is about USD 44. It is currently not possible to get this whiskey in Norway or Sweden.
Nose (20/25): It has some of that soft and rich spiciness and vanilla that I find on their Manhattan Rye. In addition this one has another even richer layer of sweetness. The maple syrup does make itself known - in a good way. I also get some oak with the spiciness, and something slightly herbal lingering in the shadows - minty notes. It is well-balanced and very approachable, but feels a little young on the nose.
Taste (21/25): Silky smooth mouthfeel! Peppery delivery at first, then the maple syrup sweetness hits. It is massive in its richness! Yet, it works. It does not overwhelm. The spiciness keeps the sweetness in check. Good thing also that we are dealing with maple syrup, which has a slight sting to it and not just honey sweetness.
Finish (22/25): So, so rich. Caramel swirls, vanilla ice cream with a sprinkling of pepper and maybe a tiny hint of salt. The finish is quite long, and towards the end I get cool peppermint. Very cool, and very minty. A fun twist.
Balance (21/25): I fell a little bit in love with this bottle. You can serve this with dessert any day - actually you can serve this as dessert.
Score (84/100)
Image from Tuthilltown Spirits.
Sláinte! - Thomas
