Oxford Rye Whisky - The Graduate

Oxford Rye Whisky - The Graduate, 3 YO, 51.3 %

This is a product of The Oxford Artisan Distillery.

Batch information: 2017 Harvest #004.

From the official product page we learn the following:

“Made with a variety of American Oak casks from multiple cooperages, this whisky is a result of casks with different origins, toasts, sizes (both 130L and 225L) and maturation in different micro-climates. This release is a blend of 6 casks in total - cask numbers 25, 27, 28, 31, 33 and 36.

The grains for this expression were harvested in 2017 from maslin populations, a mixture of heritage rye and wheat grown together, in this case in sandy soils 7 miles away from our distillery. Fermentation was in Hungarian oak vats and the spirit was double distilled in both our stills, Nautilus and Nemo.”

The Oxford Rye Whisky - The Graduate is available in Norway at NOK 1020 (14921001).

Nose: The initial aromatic unveiling transports you directly to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor where a banana split reigns supreme. A whimsical sprinkling of pepper adds a playful zing, while a softly nutty character provides a comforting warmth. With time layers of toasted oak, ginger, and exotic spices.

Taste: A rich, full-bodied character. The flavor profile is big and bold, presenting a vivacious dance of pepper, chocolate, banana, ginger, and a refreshing whisper of mint. It reminds me a little of banoffee (Google it!).

Finish: A medium-long finish. The narrative takes a somewhat darker, more mysterious turn. The chocolate notes mature from milk to dark, introducing a bitterness that pairs harmoniously with notes of espresso and cacao nibs.

Comment: Sweet coffee delight; a melodious malt medley!

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas