The aroma is impressively deep, with vibrant, crisp notes of high rye mingling with solid woody character. The texture in the mouth is excellent, and the flavor profile is outstanding. It's full, smooth, spicy, with a forward char and intense flavor. As it lingers, more rye notes emerge, clearly indicating the mash bill. A very lengthy finish leaves a warm sensation with lingering spice. For those who enjoy rye, this is the definitive choice for the year.
Scarlet Shade 14 Year Rye Whiskey
Whiskey Rye USA 14 Year 45% ABV
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About this bottle
Scarlet Shade represents the first rye whiskey from Diageo's Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co., which focuses on forgotten spirits. Master Blender Samantha Johnson combined rye whiskey stocks that traveled from Indiana, where they were distilled, to Kentucky, where they aged for 14 years. The whiskey was bottled in Tennessee at 90 proof. Its tattoo-inspired label displays a cardinal, the state bird of both Indiana and Kentucky, and a peony, Indiana's state flower, along with a skull to "honor lost loved ones." This limited edition rye whiskey has been available nationwide since May 2023 for $199.99 suggested retail price.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 7 parsed reviews.
I truly enjoy this one. It's smooth, deep, with a pleasant balance of sweet and spicy. I detect notes of maple, rye, anise, and mint. While not exceptionally distinctive in some ways, it's an easy and comforting beverage.
Rich, smooth, sweet, with notes of maple and brown sugar. Would score higher but needs more proof; not as good as Orphan Barrel but still a great pour.
Silky, a quick rush, subtle spice, creamy butter, and notes of banana bread with dark berries.
Did I just consume a pickle? Also notes of rye and oak, but wow.
Typical rye characteristics. Anise, baking spices, mint.
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Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.