Stellum Rye
Cask Strength Blend of Straight Rye Whiskies
58.12% ABV
$55
Website
We would like to thank Stellum Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Blender Says
Stellum Spirits is a new national brand created and produced by Barrel Craft Spirits® (BCS). Please see this release for additional details!
The identity of Stellum Rye is rooted in a tried and true 95% Rye Indiana mash bill. To enhance this classic style, we incorporate small amounts more barley-forward rye and choice barrels from both Kentucky and Tennessee. This brings a full, round mouthfeel and flashes of buttery sweetness to an otherwise spicy and tightly focused Rye Whiskey.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Deep copper.
Nose: Stewed apples, peaches, and pears dominate the initial nose, along with an undertone of baking spices. Nutmeg and clove provide a counterbalance to the sweet fruits, while a light mint and licorice note bring further depth to the aroma.
Palate: Aniseed, cardamom, and coriander wake up your palate with an intense spice punch. Notes of lemon peel and tangerine coming from the rye grain provide a nice citrus component to the overall spiciness. As the whiskey breathes in the glass, fresh green apples and spearmint arise, which offers just enough of a sweet component to engage all your taste buds.
Finish: Star anise, white pepper, and mint linger on the palate before fading into a honey-sweetened jasmine green tea.
With the Addition of Water: The citrus notes on the palate become more pronounced with candied lemon and orange peels, all supported by a mint simple syrup like you would find in a derby julep.
What Gary Says
Nose: Fruity with baked apples, pears, citrus notes with baking spices and herbs, fresh dill, mint, hint of anise and lemongrass.
Palate: Rich mouthfeel, sweet spicy notes with citrus fruit, cracked pepper, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, apple, chilis with honey and orange.
Finish: Moderately long and damp with rye spice, mint, honey and pepper.
Comments: Another really solid blend. I’m a fan of cask strength rye, and this is a really lovely example of the spirit. Nothing against ‘barely legal’ rye whiskey, with only 51% rye in the mashbill – as I definitely enjoy that too. But that ultra-high rye mashbill gives some nice herbal spice notes, while trading off some of the caramel/vanilla sweetness. I decided to try this in a blind tasting against Pikesville Rye, which is a 6 yr old straight rye bottled at 55% ABV (and similarly priced). The two are distinctly different, and both great examples of a well made rye. I couldn’t pick a favorite because I really like what they both have to offer! If you’re a fan of high-rye rye, this is definitely one I’d urge you to try.