American

Whiskey Review: Restoration Rye 2020 Batch 1

We review Restoration Rye 2020 Batch 1. It's the first rye release from Castle & Key Distillery, the revived architectural showpiece originally built by E. H. Taylor.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Castle & Key Restoration Rye

Tasting Notes

About:

Mash bill of 63% rye, 20% malted barley and 17% yellow corn. 103 proof and aged under 4 years, on average. Only 60 barrels. $40.
Appearance:
Deep golden butter. Beautiful architectural label and etched details on bottle and cork.
Nose:
Tropical fruit like papaya, citrus, pineapple, and banana. There’s floral sweetness that’s very pleasant. It’s reminiscent of an egg tart.
Palate:


Finish:
Comments:
The nose is like a sweet tropical vacation, but the palate is more like a county fair with its warm umami flavors. It has a spicy heat that eventually settles on the tongue after a quick trip on a roller coaster. The ride was smooth but definitely unique. To me, ryes are typically sweet so this one took me a little by surprise which is nice. If you’re looking for a more unique rye then Restoration Rye should be on your list.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Melissa Jones

Melissa D. Jones is a traveler, blogger, photographer, storyteller, foodie, whiskey enthusiast, and creative entrepreneur. Her thirst for adventure and new experiences has led her to photograph all 50 states and 47 countries, a journey she chronicled in her travel book. When she's not exploring the globe, Melissa resides in Portland, Oregon, where she enjoys attending events, savoring whiskey, and hiking. She has sampled over 100 different whiskies, both locally and internationally.

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