Stellum Black The Lone Cypress
Cask Strength Blend of Straight Rye Whiskies
57.67% ABV
$100
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We would like to thank Stellum Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
This savory and delicate rye blend is defined by notes of dried herbs and pine, with a hint of salt-air salinity. It’s named for one of the world’s most famous trees, found on the picturesque coast of the Monterey Peninsula.
TASTING NOTES
Color: Russet.
Nose: Soft aromas of cedar and a buckwheat honey sweetness. Slight notes of burnt orange peels and an apricot kernel-like nuttiness. Lingering pleasant spices like toasted allspice and peppercorns.
Palate: It immediately coats the mouth and presents a flavor reminiscent of saltwater taffy. There are satisfying notes of ripe apricot and peach skins complimented by freshly baked pastry dough.
Finish: On the exhale, there are faint flavors of chamomile tea and more baked goods like an apple cider donut. The orchard fruit flavors persist and become jammy.
With 3 drops OF WATER: The slight addition of water brings out its savory edge. Now crushed peppercorn becomes more present, bringing subtle notes of fennel and licorice along. The fruit notes soften and become akin to poached pears and cinnamon.
What Gary Says
Nose: Honey, fresh cedar, pine, mint, orange zest, cinnamon, and a hint of juniper.
Palate: Thick with nectarines, cinnamon, mint, light caramel, peaches, pepper and savory herbs.
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with cinnamon, lemon and pepper.
Comments: I can’t recall getting juniper in a whiskey before (in fact when I first nosed, I wondered “Is this a whiskey finished in gin barrels?”) It isn’t that heavy – but just caught me by surprise. Grapefruit comes out with some water, and it softens the palate while keeping that lovely viscosity. This is a rye whiskey for folks who really like that sharp, acidic bite that rye offers (not that ‘barely legal rye’ nonsense, although I enjoy those as well).