A Little Background
Named for the signature line of every barrel this “Red Line” is a caramelized layer of sugars that develops just beneath the char. Red Line Whiskey Co was launched by a father and son team with over 30 years of combined experience. Launching in November 2021 Red Line Whiskey Co. specializes in hand selected single barrel offerings that have custom aging techniques and a unique finishing process.
Mashbill: MGP Sourced 95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley
Barrel:TR10
Barrel Details:Finished in Toasted New Oak
Proof / ABV: 114
Retail Price: $89
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Leather
Nose
Sweet cool mint and rye spice with brown sugar and vanilla
Palate
Light and creamy with sweet vanilla cream and rye spice
Finish
Rye spice heavy oak charred brown sugar
In closing
Red Line Whiskey Co.’s Toasted Rye is a great expression of just how good finished whiskies can be. The 95/5 rye mashbill melds beautifully with the toasted barrel finish to bring out amazing flavor and tame the rye just enough to give off a great sweet and spicy experience.
The nose is incredibly enticing giving off mint and cool rye with brown sugar and vanilla that make you want to dive right in. The palate is not overly complex but what it lacks in complexity it makes up for in flavor. Light and creamy but packed full of vanilla sweet cream that makes me think of cake icing with just enough rye spice so the palate isn’t overly sweet. The rye spice continues into the finish while charred brown sugar comes out. What’s great about the finish is that its lingering with this beautiful spiced vanilla coming back as an aftertaste as rye begins to tickle your tongue.
I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from start to finish and would recommend buying even with a typically higher price tag of $89.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Red Line Whiskey Co. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.