Review #406 - Hillrock Double Cask Rye Single Barrel
Hudson, New York - this single barrel rye from the Hillrock Estate Distillery, specifically named for the 'Wiltsie Bridge 2016 Harvest,' was double matured. Before that, it was distilled from grains, all of which originated on the distillery's estate farm - that's the case for all of their whiskies, in fact. A real grain to glass distillery.
After the initial maturation in a char #3 new oak barrel, they then shift the spirit into a char #4 barrel for a second aging cycle; total time of maturation on this single cask was 5.62 years.
Hillrock Double Cask Rye Single Barrel
USA - Rye
Current Locally Available Price: USD 110 (2024)
Age Statement: 5 Years
Strength: 45% ABV
Cask Makeup: Finished in char #4 oak barrels
Details: Barrel no. WB#24, 250 bottles
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 1 time; bottle 20% fill level at time of review. Tasted in a nosing glass, rested 10-15 minutes
Nose: Very sweet - vanilla, lots of coconut, some caramel... almost a creme brulee vibe. There is a hint of oak in there, but it isn't too strong; with time, soft grain character comes forward, bringing hints of dill.
Palate: A medium-thin mouthfeel, and this feels a bit 'crafty' with young oak and oatmeal-like grains. Again, a lot of vanilla and coconut add sweetness, showing the influence of that second barrel; there's cinnamon later on, and the oak gets stronger.
Finish: Tons of coconut, as well as rum raisin. Overwhelmingly sweet, almost synthetic sweetness; it's a medium-long finish.
Final Note: Interesting - we found very little rye character in this rye whisky, only that bit of dill in the nose. This was dominated by the sweetness from the finishing casks, especially coconut flavors, and there's definitely a craft feel about it. It's alright; a dessert whisky, if you like those specific flavors.
Value isn't great, as this is also a slightly expensive bottle, but if you love this exact flavor profile, it could be worth a splurge.
Our Average Rating: 4.2 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 3.34
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
Check out our other double oaked rye reviews:
