Kyrö Single Malt Rye Whiskey (Discontinued)

Our first stop on a global whisky journey, visiting Finland and this well-regarded rye. The aroma is malty, reminiscent of warm, crusty bread. The primary flavor is gingerbread, leading to a dry finish. It's significantly different from American ryes, and while tasty, I'm uncertain if I'd choose it over a quality MGP or Wild Turkey. Nevertheless, it's a nascent distillery worth recognizing and supporting.

I tasted the new Core Malt Rye. It's my preferred whiskey. I find that adding a little water and allowing it to aerate for a couple of minutes really enhances the whiskey. You can strongly detect a rye bread aroma when smelling a serving afterward. It's not basic, not complicated, very approachable. I haven't yet tried it in a Manhattan because I've enjoyed it so much neat (with that bit of water).

The aroma offers pleasant ginger and citrus notes, with a honeyed sweetness and vanilla. The palate presents a satisfying spicy, peppery sweet rye. It brought to mind some Canadian rye whiskeys. Our friends to the north create good whiskey, and I understand their preference for robust drinks. Sampled Batch 8, 47.2%.

100% rye is unexpected; it smells like Xerez Oloroso. Potent in the mouth, perhaps a bit cool from being in Finland. Very distinctive.

Tastes of banana bread, spices, dried fruit, butterscotch, vanilla, oak, dried herbs, and roasted notes. A magnificent rye!

Smells like vanilla. Tastes of butterscotch and cinnamon. High alcohol content.