Cider Barrel Matured Virginia Highland Malt Whisky Your Fall Sipping Whisky

As the days of autumn slowly roll by, the fall leaves and dropping temperatures remind us of apple harvest time. It is also a time to experience all things hard cider, which is a theme Virginia Distillery Company is looking to play upon with the release of its sourced Highland malt whisky finished in cider barrels. Take that, pumpkin spice latte!

The new Cider Barrel Matured Virginia Highland Malt Whisky, according to the distillery, was the result of placing the equivalent of 261 cases worth of imported Scottish whisky into casks which once held Potter’s Craft Cider. This is a variation from the normal port cask finishing this spirit goes through, and represents the first of the new “Commonwealth Collection, a new series in the distillery’s line up of whiskies featuring different styles of finishes through partnerships with Virginia wineries, cideries and breweries.”

“We’re thrilled to release the first expression from our Commonwealth Collection,” said Virginia Distillery Company’s CEO Gareth H. Moore in a statement. “This series provides the opportunity to utilize our expertise in creating unique finishes with the whisky while also leveraging the strengths of a number of different makers across the Commonwealth.”

Cider Barrel Matured Virginia Highland Malt Whisky is non-age statement in nature and set to price around $65. Limited tasting notes from Virginia Distilling Company are below for your consideration.

Notes of vanilla, apple and pear are evident on the nose, as well a slight hint of caramel. On the palate, some creaminess and sweetness from the malt, along with caramelized wood sugars from the oak, melds with a pleasant touch of acidity from the cider barrel.