FEW Rye (46.5%, OB, 2017)

• Category: US Rye Whiskey
• Origin: FEW Distillery
• Bottling: FEW
• ABV: 46.5%
• Cost: £66.95

What they say:

Bear witness to the revival of rye. Born of the hearty grain, our generous rye content is married with the sweetness of corn for a genteel interpretation of the venerable spirit. Aged in air-dried oak barrels, its spicy character transcends mere resurgence. This is the renaissance of rye. FEW Rye Whiskey.

What I say:

Dram #4 from the 2017 #WorldWhiskyDay Worldwide Whiskies tasting set from The Dram Team. A little confused by this Rye bottling from FEW as in some markets it is called Whiskey (and bears RYE Whiskey on the label) and in others it is termed Spirit – suggestive that for some reason it may not meet the criteria for Rye Whiskey e.g. mashbill or years of maturation perhaps? I’m sure someone closer or more familiar with FEW could enlighten me, however on to what is inside the bottle:

Appearance:

Dark amber gold (11/20)  slow medium droplet tears leave finer legs

Nose:

Orange oil and saddle leather, popcorn, green banana & marker pen solvent – I like it!

Taste:

Fruity, baked apple pie with cinnamon, banana split dessert, ripe banana, vanilla ice cream perhaps a hint of candied peel

Finish:

Long, balanced fruit and spice, lovely

Overall:

A rather well-balanced and drinkable Rye (dare I call it Whiskey?), not too spicy with plenty of fruity elements this is good enough to drink neat or has mileage for mixing into cocktails and longer drinks if required.

Score: 84/100

Don’t take my word for it:

Read West Meath Whiskey World’s review of FEW Rye in their Bourbon’s for 4th July article

Bloggers submit link to your review