Stellum Rye Single Barrel
Selected By ‘The Chocolate Fountain’ E2 Serpens
58.35% ABV
$60
Website
What the Blender Says
Single barrel whiskeys are an expression of distinction and power. Every cask is different. Many make good ingredients, but only some possess the particular character and balance to make a worthy single barrel bottling.
While marrying barrels for Stellum Bourbon and Stellum Rye, we occasionally identify specific barrels that we feel speak strongly alone. We set these barrels aside and bottle them at their true cask strength. Each is very much an individual experience, an unfiltered expression of one specific aging rather than a blend.
We offer Stellum single barrels as unique and exclusive picks for stores, clubs, and private gatherings. We also offer bottle-by-bottle Stellum single barrels in select markets.
Serpens – Selections made in the Spring and Summer of 2021
95% Rye/5% Barley Malt
What Gary Says
Nose: Rye spice, mint, bit of dill, cedar, caramel, toffee, subtle toasted oak, citrus tilting from orange to grapefruit.
Palate: Dark sweetness (molasses?) with blood orange, cloves, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with mint, brown sugar and orange spice.
Comments: A really robust rye, where the nose presents squarely in the 95% rye mash bill quadrant, but the palate took a left turn with a surprisingly dark sweetness note. I found this worked really well in a Vieux Carré, although it was delicious neat as well. Bit of water thickens it up nicely, and brings the orange notes more into focus.