Very Olde St. Nick Summer Rye is a barrel-strength rye whiskey bottled by Preservation Distillery in Bardstown. This lot, released in 2020, was bottled at 117.8 proof. It is a bold rye whose sweetness comes out when you add a little water.
About This Whiskey
The name is a play on the word "samurai". The rye barrels are emptied before the hottest part of a Kentucky summer, before the heat takes a bigger share by evaporation. Lots come out between about 117 and 119 proof, sealed in white wax, and this one is 117.8 proof (58.9% ABV). The distillery that made the rye is not named on the label.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Caramelised strawberry, dark caramel, vanilla, orange and cherry.
- Palate: Dry and medium-thick, with toasted caramel, baking spice, stewed red fruit and a bready note.
- Finish: Medium-long, with biscuit, caramel and a late lift of rye spice.
Serving & Food
Pour into a stemless wine glass or tumbler and add cool water a little at a time. Around 50% ABV it opens up well. For a cocktail, stir it into a Manhattan with sweet vermouth. Good with grilled pork belly, strawberry tart or roasted nuts.
How to Enjoy
Fans of full-strength rye, and warm-weather cocktails that need a strong base spirit.
Product Details
Expression: Summer Rye
Release Year: 2020
Category: Rye whiskey
Proof: 117.8
ABV: 58.9%
Strength: Barrel strength
Closure: White wax seal
Volume: 750mL
Origin: USA
Region: Kentucky
Producer: Preservation Distillery, Bardstown
About the Distillery
Preservation Distillery usually releases a lot from one to three barrels, but when one barrel is good enough by itself, it is bottled as a single barrel. Owner Marci Palatella takes part in picking them, and she has recommended a stemless wine glass for the most layered ones, with a swirl and a short rest before tasting.
The range has grown well past the old Japanese-market bottlings. It now includes Straight Outta Bardstown single barrels, Superfreak blends, Notorious O.S.N. at 19 years, and ryes made from the distillery's own early barrels, filled with a range of toast and char levels to see how each would develop.
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