One of the Original Colorado Distillery License Holders, Downslope Distilling has been producing quality spirits since 2009. Located close to Arapahoe and S. Parker road in Englewood, you can stop in to not only try a line up of their spirits at the tasting bar, but also take distilling classes, and learn all about the process of crafting whiskey from start to finish, even including marketing and distributing the spirits once they have been finished. With multiple awards under their belt, a good selection of great products, and 14 years of experience, it’s easy to see why these classes would be valuable to anyone interested in learning more about the industry.
Check out their website for more information: https://downslopedistilling.com/
The Rye Whiskey is one that honestly took me by surprise, the flavor is not quite what I assume I am getting when I grab a bottle of Rye Whiskey off the shelf.
In the Bottle:
Mashbill:
80% Rye
20% Malted Barley
Age:
No Age Statement
Proof:
80 Proof (40% ABV)
In the Glass:
Color:
Caramel with a pale red tint, clear and leaves a little bit of legs on the glass.
Without Water:
Nose:
Vanilla, cinnamon, and more spice, dried fruits and dried floral notes. Even a little bit peppery. Some sugary sweet molasses notes as well.
Palate:
Soft and sweet right up front, notes of vanilla and brown sugar or molasses. The mid palate is creamy and full, with some peppery baking spice notes of nutmeg, allspice, and and more dried fruits. Definitely a bit oily, and a really creamy mouth feel.
Finish:
Cinnamon and allspice explode on the finish, warm and lingering and reminiscent of a gingerbread cookie.
With Water:
Nose:
The vanilla fades away, it is much less sweet but a lot more of the allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Palate:
The flavors all fade a bit, but it almost changed into a more cola kind of note vs a spiced gingerbread note. The mouth feel loses a bit of the thick and creaminess, but still keeps some of the oily consistencies.
Finish:
Cola finish, sweeter and less of the gingerbread, again really changing some of the flavor profile. Definitely shorter after a couple drops of water.
Final Thoughts:
This is definitely much different from a lot of ryes, really seeming to gain a whole new element with the malted barley taking up a fifth of the mashbill. The gingerbread profile is one I found myself enjoying immensely. I was also impressed with the complimentary flavors that the malted barley added to the flavors of this whiskey. This is one I did find myself enjoying neat rather than on the rocks or with any water added.
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