Editor’s Note: The Whiskey Wash welcomes Carin Moonin to our writing staff. Also, this whiskey was provided to us as a free sample to review by the party behind it. The Whiskey Wash, while appreciative of this, did keep full independent editorial control over this article.Whiskey aged in wine casks—such as sherry or port—reminds me of that old commercial for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: “You got your chocolate in my peanut butter! You got your peanut butter in my chocolate!” It can work well for sweets, and just as pleasantly for whiskey.
The color is light, reminding me of a fine clover honey. The nose brings slight vanilla, caramel and apple cider. (I couldn’t help but exclaim, “It smells like enchantment!”) I often find rye a bit abrasive, but that’s not the case with the Old World. It’s smooth on the palate, being both easy and a little buttery. Even though Port is represented the least in this trio, I picked up some of the raisin flavor that I get with it.
In sum, it’s extremely drinkable and finishes delightfully.
The Old World doesn’t come cheap, retailing well over $100 a bottle. Even for that I would consider it a good value, giving this wonderful rye whiskey a rating of 93. As my first review for this blog, I have to say: this sets the bar pretty high.
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