American Whiskey
High Rye Mashbill (95% Rye)
Finished with Aspen Disks from South Park, Colorado
45% ABV (90 Proof)
No Age Statement
It is starting to look like Aspen trees might be making a push into the market a little bit more, as Locke and Co. Spirits out of Aurora has put out their Aspen Aged Rye Whiskey. Aged with Aspen disks instead of staves, it’s clear that Aspen trees are going to make their mark on the Colorado Whiskey world.
Color: Light amber, and very clear.
Nose: The instant nose is reminiscent of earthy, straw, and Aspen trees. Have you ever walked through the Aspen’s in the fall? (If you haven’t, please be sure to do that as soon as you can.) That is what this bottle brings to the nose. There are some dried fruit with baking spice notes, very bright and inviting, but very light on the rye notes, almost all wood.
Palate: Sweet instantly on the front of the palate, earthy and crisp. A medium body that is clean, and crisp. Again, tastes like the air as you walk through the Aspen trees in the fall, lichen and mossy/earthy notes with the Aspen really coming through. If living in the Colorado woods was a flavor, this would be that flavor.
Finish: A slightly lingering finish that is full of bright rye notes, and lots of sweet wood.
With Water:
Nose: That rye that was missing makes its presence known once a couple drops of water are added. Baking spices and spicy rye notes are complimented by brown sugar.
Palate: Still a really sweet hit on the very front, but that Aspen flavor still comes through on the mid with more of the rye baking spices such as nutmeg or allspice coming through. Still medium bodied with sweet, butterscotch notes complimented by that earthy/mossy taste as well.
Finish: A little bit shorter of a finish that is still full of bright rye notes and wood.
Ratings:
Angela: 84
Zach: 89
Overall: 86.5/100
Notes: This is a really interesting whiskey. For as much rye as supposed to be in there, it does not show it. Also very easy sip, would really be interesting in a bunch of cocktails. Definitely worth picking up a bottle, or heading to their distillery to try. Also, having talked with one of the owners, Rick, it is worth just learning about their process and history of getting the distillery set up. A truly Colorado born and bred whiskey.
Never tried a whiskey with Aspen before. I’ll have to check them out next time I’m in Denver. Are they going to distill their own whiskey too?
It looks like they plan to source for right now, but they are involved in the entire process for the mash so it is still their recipe. They were great to talk to and learn about their processes, definitely reccomend checking them out!
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I would like to order and delivered to Scottsdale, Az 85251 Thanks
Hi Charles! We do not actually sell or ship any products, we just review and talk about them. I did a little looking into it for you, and right now it doesn’t look like Arizona is allowing alcohol to be shipped into the state from any retailers or producers. We’re sorry we can’t help you get a bottle at this time, but hopefully you can score one if you make it out to Colorado! Cheers!
This stuff is not good at all and for $65 a bottle it’s a terrible value. I can’t believe they charge $65. They are giving Colorado whiskey a bad name. Bulliet rye is way better and only $25.
Hi Jimbo. Thanks for reading. We’re sorry you don’t agree with the value or quality of the product, but that’s our favorite part of whiskey, is that everyone has different palates, and there is no one right answer for what everyone will like. Bulleit Rye is absolutely a great bottle, especially for the price. Cheers!