Home American Single Malt Cadée Medusa American Whiskey

Cadée Medusa American Whiskey

February 12, 2020 · By Landon Shields · 7.9 / 10
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Whiskey Consensus Score
7.9 /10
Good
Score Breakdown
Complexity
8
Nose
8.5
Palate
7.9
Finish
7.5
Value
7.5
Consensus Score
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Palate
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Nose 5.0
Palate 5.0
Finish 5.0
Complexity 5.0
Value 5.0
7.9
/ 10
Our Verdict
Good

Cadée is a unique craft distillery located on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest that specializes in Maritime Whiskey.

The Good

  • Complex nose
  • Complex palate

The Bad

  • Affordability
  • Availability
  • Low proof
Cadée Medusa American Whiskey

A little background

Cadée is a unique craft distillery located in the Pacific Northwest. The company specializes in Maritime Whiskey. Founder, Colin Campbell, implemented 16th-century scotch and blending house methods into his American whiskey-making process. Cadée Distillery is located on the Isle of Whidbey. This island has miles of coastline, salty ocean breezes, and natural resources similar to those in Scotland. The location combined with their blending and ageing process aid in creating a pure, clean, and unique spirit. The Medusa American Whiskey is a five years old bourbon, that is finished for at least 18 months in 10-year-old imported Madeira wine barrels. The whiskey retails for approximately $130 and is bottled at 80 proof.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Amber

Nose

The nose is sweet and salty. Notes of dark fruit and red Twizzlers were pleasant and interesting.

Palate

The first sip was had a thin to medium viscosity. A slight warmth concentrated in the back palate. The second sip revealed noted of medicinal cherry, toasted oak, vanilla, malted barley, and slight barrel char. The third sip had a caramel note but also reminded me of Necco Wafers.

Finish

The finish was medium with notes of cherry, honey, and a faint cinnamon spice.

In closing

The Medusa American Whiskey by Cadée Distillery is interesting and complex. The distillery compares this spirit to 15-year-old Macallan Scotch. Traditional bourbon drinkers may want to sample this spirit before purchasing a bottle; it is extremely unique in comparison to traditional bourbon brands. However, if one dabbles in bourbon, whiskey, and scotch he or she may enjoy this bottle.

Cadée Medusa American Whiskey

80 Proof
7.9

Complexity

8.0/10

Nose

8.5/10

Palate

7.9/10

Finish

7.5/10

Value

7.5/10

The Good

  • Complex nose
  • Complex palate

The Bad

  • Affordability
  • Availability
  • Low proof
Tried this one? Your score shapes the Consensus. Add your score ↓
American Whiskey Cadée Review

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Landon Shields
About the Author
Landon Shields
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 65 posts

Landon is a whiskey enthusiast who enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for bourbon and whiskey with others. He enjoys reviewing new, different, and unique whiskeys. Landon recently graduated with a doctoral degree in leadership. He is a registered respiratory therapist and a clinical educator/coordinator for a respiratory therapy department. Additionally, Landon acts as an adjunct professor for a couple of well know universities. You can find/contact him on Instagram @the_brothers_bournon

More by Landon Shields →

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