There is a lot to like about Stranahan’s NY Rye Cask Finished Single Malt on paper. , let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
This is pale golden yellow with an orange undertone. This opens with notes of varnished wood, candied oranges, and butter. It’s pungent with a light hint of bananas and new tennis balls. The orange note deepens into orange oil with hints of black tea and warm scones keeping it fresh. It’s definitely herbaceous with a note of fresh pine needle. I’m really enjoying the aromatics. The palate is very tannic with a moderate to full-body. It’s rich in aromas of baking spices, driftwood, and dried bananas. The finish is refreshing and light with grippy tannins and lingering aromas of blond tobacco, blood orange, and cedar with a lush vanilla and pine resin note that hangs on for a minute or so. Water brings out a beautiful note like fine mineral water.
Finish
Unlike the extra añejo tequila cask finished single malt release I reviewed a few months ago, I feel as though this is a more harmonious whiskey. The NY rye cask adds to the experience without clashing with or overpowering the base whiskey. I’m a whiskey neat kind of gal, and this is near perfect as such.
The Bottom Line
Stranahan’s NY Rye Cask Finished Single Malt is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
