Hillrock Estate Double Cask Rye Whiskey 1er Cru Sauternes Cask Finish 750ml

This is a rye from a field-to-glass distillery, finished in French dessert-wine casks. Hillrock grows its own rye on its Hudson Valley estate, then mashes, ferments, and pot distills it on site in a still built in Kentucky to Dave Pickerell’s exact specifications. The Double Cask Rye is matured first in new #3 char American oak, then moved into a second new barrel, this one #4 char, which adds caramel and vanilla to the rye’s traditional spice. The Sauternes-finished version adds a third stage: a finish in rare French Premier Cru Sauternes wine casks.

Released on September 10, 2016, it was billed as America’s first estate-grown 100% rye whiskey finished in French Sauternes casks. At the time, Sauternes casks had been used primarily to age Scotch. Sauternes, the sweet, botrytized wine of Bordeaux known as the “nectar of the gods,” is marked by a balance of sweetness and acidity, with notes of apricots, honey, and peaches. Hillrock’s owner, Jeff Baker, described what the casks do: “Finishing Hillrock Estate Distillery Double Cask Rye in French Sauternes casks merges tradition and terroir, creating a rounded, almost buttery texture with notes of honey and citrus lemon.”

The distillery’s notes describe a “patina copper, amber whiskey” with “candied orange peel, honey comb, peach skin, flower blossom, maple, candied apples, Madagascar vanilla, rye spice” on the nose. On the palate: “bold flavors of toasted bread with honey and butter, cashews, citrus, orange blossom notes and vanilla wafer balance the traditional rye spice, leading to a long, honeyed apricot finish bursting with fruit and spice.” Another description of the Double Cask Rye notes “plenty of rye spice with distinct clove and cinnamon on the nose” and a finish with “a delicate balance of honey and spice.” Wine Enthusiast scored it 94. It’s a rye for drinkers who find most ryes too sharp, and for dessert-wine fans curious about whiskey: spicy and structured, with a soft, honeyed, almost buttery center.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Hillrock Estate Double Cask Rye Whiskey (Sauternes Cask Finish) is produced at Hillrock Estate Distillery in New York’s Hudson Valley, created by the late Dave Pickerell, formerly of Maker’s Mark. It is made from 100% estate-grown rye, mashed, fermented, and pot distilled on the estate in a custom-built copper pot still. The whiskey matures first in new #3 char American oak, then in a second new #4 char American oak barrel, and is finished in French Premier Cru Sauternes wine casks. Bottled at 45% ABV / 90 proof, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 94 Points

Hillrock Estate Distillery (official tasting notes):
“Candied orange peel, honey comb, peach skin, flower blossom, maple, candied apples, Madagascar vanilla, rye spice are all abundant in the nose of this patina copper, amber whiskey. The bold flavors of toasted bread with honey and butter, cashews, citrus, orange blossom notes and vanilla wafer balance the traditional rye spice leading to a long, honeyed apricot finish bursting with fruit and spice.”

Release notes (2016):
“Copper, amber color and offers melon, honey, vanilla and spice on the nose. Flavors of honey-coated cashews, citrus and rye lead way to butter toasted bread, roast nuts and a long honeyed finish which perfectly balances the rye spice.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Copper-amber. Candied orange peel, honeycomb, and peach skin lead, with maple, candied apple, Madagascar vanilla, flower blossom, and rye spice.

Palate
Toasted bread with honey and butter, cashews, citrus, orange blossom, and vanilla wafer, balanced by clove and cinnamon rye spice.

Finish
Long and honeyed, with apricot, fruit, and spice.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Blue cheese
• Apricot or peach tart
• Roast nuts and honey-glazed dishes
• Crème brûlée

Serving Note

Enjoy neat or with a few drops of water. It also makes an elevated Manhattan.