Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
In September of 2022, Rogue Ales & Spirits released a new custom bottle design to go along with the expansion of their Dead Guy Whiskey portfolio with their three new expressions that include Dead Guy Whiskey Stout Cask Finished, Dead Guy Whiskey Wine Cask Finished, and Dead Guy Whiskey American Single Malt. This release also marks the expansion of Rogue’s American Single Malt portfolio. Their flagship, Dead Guy Whiskey, was released in 2006 and has earned the official designation of American Single Malt as it was made from a mash bill of 100% malted barley and pot distilled on-site at Rogue’s Oregon coast distillery.
The Rogue Nation World Headquarters lies in the historic west coast town of Newport, Oregon. Established as a craft brewery in 1988, Rogue was founded by Jack Joyce, Bob Woodell, Rob Strasser and Jeff Shultz. Although Rogue’s first brewpub, located in Ashland, Oregon, was closed down due to flooding, it was not before the brand established several other Oregon-based pub houses in Newport, Astoria, and Portland. Some of these pubs include Rogue Bayfront Public House, Rogue Eastside Pub and Pilot Brewery, and Rogue Pier 39 Public House, to name a few.
Being that their distillery is located on the coast, Rogue is known for using what they call “ocean aging” in their spirits production, which essentially allows the whiskey to breathe the ocean air as it matures, infusing the final product with a “smooth, rich taste.”
“Fifteen years after we first bottled Dead Guy Whiskey, we are thrilled to expand our American Single Malt portfolio,” said Steven Garrett, VP of Business Development in a prepared statement. “As a leading producer of American Single Malt in the country, it is a wonderful time to add new expressions and double down on this emerging category that we’ve been working to perfect for almost two decades.”
Garrett’s mention of an ‘emerging category’ refers to the fact that American Single Malt whiskey is a standard of identity that is fairly new to the US trade industry. Along with multiple other American whiskey distillers, Rogue Ales & Spirits is officially recognized as a member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, which was established in 2016.
In addition to the Dead Guy Whiskey expression series, Rogue Ales & Spirits also has a Single Barrel Project which focuses on the unique barrels, made from their onsite cooperage, utilized in the production of their whiskey lineup.
This review will focus on Dead Guy Whiskey Cabernet Wine Cask Finished, which is the brand new expression to come from the 2022 release of the new custom bottles in Rogue’s Dead Guy Whiskey series. Bottled at 92 proof, it’s made from 100% malted barley, pot distilled, and finished in Cabernet wine casks.
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According to the official tasting notes, Dead Guy Whiskey Wine Cask Finished has notes of “Sweet and spicy, red fruit and leather [that] are splashed over toasted grains and cooked sugar.” In a prepared statement Steven Garrett, Rogue’s VP of Business Development said, “For our Wine Cask Finished expression we sourced freshly dumped wine barrels from the reputable King Estate Winery in Eugene, Oregon. Bold fruit notes are accentuated by a rush of dark plum, tobacco and peppercorn in this one-of-a-kind whiskey.”
Awards for Dead Guy Whiskey Wine Cask Finished include Double Gold in the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is available in limited quantities at liquor retailers and bars throughout Oregon, Washington, and California, and also at Rogue Ales & Spirits online shop.
Tasting Notes: Dead Guy Whiskey Cabernet Wine Cask Finished
Vital Stats: 100% malted barley, 92 proof (46% ABV).
Appearance: Golden tawny with a tinge of auburn.
Nose: Generous floral and fruity notes permeate with lush influences of fresh wet grass, walnut, red rose, butterscotch, vanilla, and juicy ripe plums accompanied by hints of cinnamon, clove, and buttery peppermint.
Palate: The palate is very close to the nose with consistently present flavors of butterscotch, sweet clove, red grapes, and plums, with just the slightest hint of oiled leather.
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