Oxford Rye Whisky 2017 Heritage Grains new American oak casks Batch 001 46.3% 700ml

The Oxford Rye Whisky 2017 Heritage Grains is the inaugural release from The Oxford Artisan Distillery, distilled in England. This expression is produced from a diverse maslin grain harvest from 2017, featuring multiple ancient heritage rye strains, wheat strains, and even a few oats and thistles, grown together in the same field. The whisky is matured for at least three years in virgin American oak casks, resulting in a flavorful and fresh rye whisky with an ABV of 46.3%. This limited release whisky boasts a unique and authentic flavor, rooted in American Rye Whiskey but not classified as such. The use of Hungarian oak vats in the long fermentation process contributes to its fruity and creamy notes, while the flaking of the grain in a centenary mill adds toasty sourdough crust flavors. The whisky's authenticity comes from the direct transfer of its field-grown grains, resulting in a powerful rye character with certain unique characteristics. The port casks used in the maturation process bring the best characteristics of Portugal's Douro wine valley to the Thames valley, adding to the whisky's rich and diverse flavor profile. Overall, the Oxford Rye Whisky 2017 Heritage Grains is a celebration of nature and biodiversity, with a unique and unrepeatable flavor profile that sets it apart from other rye whiskies on the market. The Oxford Artisan Distillery is recognized for its sustainable farming practices. No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or even fertilizers are used, and biodiversity is actively encouraged. Rather than using modern varieties, they grow multiple different types of grains in the same field. This commitment to sustainability is evident in every bottle, making their whisky not only a pleasure to drink but also a testament to environmentally conscious production methods.

FAQs

• What makes the Oxford Rye Whisky 2017 Heritage Grains unique?

  This whisky is unique due to its use of diverse maslin grain harvest, featuring multiple ancient heritage rye strains, wheat strains, and even a few oats and thistles. The grains are grown together in the same field, promoting biodiversity and sustainability.

• How is this whisky matured?

  The whisky is matured for at least three years in virgin American oak casks. Additionally, Hungarian oak vats are used during the long fermentation process, contributing to its fruity and creamy notes.

• What notes can I expect from this whisky?

  You can expect notes of banana yoghurt, flowery herbs, freshly baked bread, caramel, butter, clove, and nutmeg on the nose. The taste is creamy banana bread, toasted sourdough, almonds, and vanilla, with a praline and refreshing rye finish.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: banana yoghurt, flowery herbs, freshly baked bread, caramel, butter, clove, nutmeg, nuts
• Taste: creamy banana bread, toasted sourdough, almonds, vanilla
• Finish: praline, refreshing rye, warming spices
• Overall: Fruity and spicy, with layers of cream, bread, and herbs. This is a fantastically layered whisky with herbal notes from the rye, nuts and caramel from the wheat, and sweet malted barley combined with oaky vanilla.

Reviewer's opinion

The Oxford Rye Whisky 2017 Heritage Grains is a phenomenal whisky, especially considering its relatively short time in the cask. The initial nose of pencil shavings quickly gives way to Christmas baking spices, citrus, and cola syrup, creating an intriguing and complex aroma. The taste is reminiscent of banana bread with added ginger, transitioning to chocolatey sweetness and a warm, spicy mid-palate. The finish is long and spicy with cardamom, menthol, and subtle tannins that are perfectly balanced with dark and herbal sweetness. This whisky is a true testament to the distillery's commitment to heritage grains and sustainable farming practices, making it a unique and enjoyable experience for any whisky enthusiast.