Pow-Wow Botanical Rye Whiskey is the latest product from the Georgetown Trading Co. — the fine folks behind John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey and James E. Pepper Whiskey. This release is their first foray into flavored or infused spirits. According to the label, Pow-Wow Botanical Rye is a straight rye whiskey inspired by an old colonial recipe. It’s infused in small batches with whole botanicals like saffron and orange peels.
Diving in, there’s a huge nose of citrus, cloves, smoked cedar and vanilla. This is some intensely aromatic stuff. Definitely whiskey though, as those infused notes don’t overpower the underlying spirit. Take a sip for a really exotic palate full of chocolate, more citrus, herbal tea, menthol and some mild and harmonious saffron. The finish is dry, oaky and impossibly long.
You’d think the mash of flavors here would create a muddled whiskey. But everything works surprisingly well together. This is a fun, interesting and refreshing whiskey, and a testament that you can infuse whiskey with more than just honey, all without compromising the integrity of the spirit.
Pow-Wow suggests using their rye as a base for cocktails, including Manhattans. But I’m pretty happy sipping this one neat.
Stats:
– 45% Alcohol by Volume
– $40
