Woody Creek Distillers is the hardworking operation out of Colorado that’s producing a very solid gin, a couple vodkas and this here rye whiskey. Woody Creek Rye is composed of 100% Colorado rye and is mashed, distilled, aged and blended at the company’s Basalt, CO distillery. It is aged in American white oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
Diving in, you’ll find aromas of grains, white pepper and citrus fruit. It’s very fragrant, bright and pleasant. Take a sip, and those grain and fruit notes remain, but here the pepper turns red and brings a little heat. All that mingles with oaky vanilla, which balances things out with some sweetness. The whiskey finishes with more grains and mild spice.
Woody Creek Rye isn’t a particularly mature whiskey, and it shows. The grains take center stage here, which isn’t a bad thing–the grains are good. And the distillery does manage to coax plenty of flavor out of those grains. So all in all, there’s a lot to like. But we’d be interested to taste this one after a little more time in barrel, as more oak influence would likely create a rounder, fuller whiskey.
If you’d rather not sip this straight, it makes a unique Old Fashioned. Or try something with a little more substance to stand up to the rye, like an Old Pal cocktail.
Stats:
— 45% ABV
— $50
CE Rating: ★★★
