Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels, Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Barrels, Bonfire Rye Whiskey) arrives at 80 Proof. Priced at $46, we assessed it with care.
Nose
Lightest in color of the three as a copper honey gold color. Lots of little legs come out to play. A little more tawny than the Honey Rye whiskey. Thicker legs to show off. Same exact color and characteristics as the maple finish whiskey. An incredibly airy scent floats up, not abrasive at all. Stuck my whole nose into the glass actually to be able to pick up on the aromas. Wishing for more to explore here but was able to pinpoint some simple fragrances of rye bread, Wheaties cereal and a plain scone with a touch of drizzled honey. Can trace the maple, but it is predominantly grass clippings and toffee with pancakes soaked in maple syrup in the far distance. Had to sit a very long time with this one. Off the bat, its a sharp face slap of shoe polish and spray paint. But like the guilty pleasures some of us have with gasoline and spray paint, there is a sweetness note that keeps you from running. Continuing to sit with it longer, there is more of the grass clippings with a tad of caramel notes. . It was quite a surprising round up and this tasting was done in proof order along with revisiting some of the expressions over multiple days. The whiskeys of Catskill Provisions (image via Moriah Hilden/Whiskeyful) Tasting Notes: Catskill Provisions Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels Vital Stats: 80 Proof. 80% Rye and 20% Barley Mash Bill. No aging details. Price is $46 for 750ml bottle. Appearance: Lightest in color of the three as a copper honey gold color. Lots of little legs come out to play. Nose: An incredibly airy scent floats up, not abrasive at all. Stuck my whole nose into the glass actually to be able to pick up on the aromas. Wishing for more to explore here but was able to pinpoint some simple fragrances of rye bread, Wheaties cereal and a plain scone with a touch of drizzled honey. Palate: Identical to the nose, it was also very light on the palate. The honey aspects don’t buzz in until the end. On the forefront and main attraction, there are notes of grassy and wet forest floor. The mouthfeel is the winner with this one as it is gentle, silky, and moisturizing. Score: 3/5 Tasting Notes: Catskill Provisions Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Barrels Vital Stats: 90 Proof. At least 51% corn in Mash Bill. No aging details. Price is $40.99 for 750ml bottle. Appearance: A little more tawny than the Honey Rye whiskey. Thicker legs to show off. Nose: Can trace the maple, but it is predominantly grass clippings and toffee with pancakes soaked in maple syrup in the far distance. Palate: Grassy on the forefront then rounds out to a maple taffy. It’s a short stay with these flavors as it then circles back to grass clippings for the finish. Found myself reaching back for it again and after exploring it awhile longer, did pick up on maple pecan pie. Score: 3/5 Tasting Notes: Catskill Provisions Bonfire Rye Whiskey Vital Stats: 100 Proof. At least 51% rye in the Mash bill. No aging details. Made in small batches and limited quantity sold at tasting room. Appearance: Same exact color and characteristics as the maple finish whiskey. Nose: Had to sit a very long time with this one. Off the bat, it’s a sharp face slap of shoe polish and spray paint. But like the guilty pleasures some of us have with gasoline and spray paint, there is a sweetness note that keeps you from running. Continuing to sit with it longer, there is more of the grass clippings with a tad of caramel notes. Palate: Shoe polish and intense smoke barges in. With time, grass clippings, lighter fluid, tobacco and leather round out and finishes off this tasting journey. Score: 1.5/5 Final Thoughts: My expectations may have played a factor in approaching these expressions. Upon reading the labels, it was easy to assume that the honey or the maple finish would be incredibly sweet. Preparing mind, body, and mouth for it, it was quite a surprise to be hit with bitterness and curveball flavors on the nose and palate, if any at all. After sitting a very long time with these, dissecting, exploring, and being patient, these were difficult to consume neat. I would highly recommend these in cocktails, however. I am not a bartender, but the Honey Rye could be excellent in a Bees Knees cocktail. For a festive cool weather cocktail, the maple finish could be in an Old Fashioned. And the Bonfire whiskey in a Penicillin cocktail, since the smoke in the rye was so intense and I could see other elements in the cocktail like honey, lemon, and ginger to balance it all out.
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful 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.
Verdict
Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels, Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Maple Barrels, Bonfire Rye Whiskey) is a modest offering that, at $46, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
