The Details
Tasting Notes
Introduction:
I always try to visit new distilleries when I travel, if it isn’t obvious. When up in Spokane for work, I clearly had to make a stop at Dry Fly Distillery. Their brand-new tasting room was definitely inviting and staff were wonderfully nice. I wish I took more notes on their whiskeys and gins, but ended up buying this particular one as it was seasonal and more unique than their other whiskeys. I do remember really enjoying their cask strength as well. Unfortunately, their “Black Bottle” series seem ephemeral. Although, I did see a new “Dry Fly Cask and Release” bottle that sits for a year in seemingly the same Scotch Style Ale barrel from Kettlehouse Brewery. Can’t imagine too many differences.
Color:
Modest Mahogany
Nose:
Inviting wheat to start. Like walking through a grain mill that also produces bubblegum. It smells like I then accidentally stepped in some resin, and had to remove it only with cream soda. Also, the ole rubbing whiskey on your hands test reveals a cedar mill.
Palate:
Resin and saw dust really stick out to me. There’s a little spiciness that seemingly comes from the scotch ale barrel, almost similar to some ryes. I think this is a byproduct of a lot of north western whiskeys, but the oil-soaked hay stands out as well. The middle to end strong toffee flavor is a sure indicator of the wheated whiskey. That particular sweetness was weird at first, but grew on my after a few sips.
Conclusion:
I really like the uniqueness of this whiskey; it was mostly why I purchased it to begin with. It’s not my ideal whiskey, it’s why the rating is a little more average, but it’s great having on the shelf. After a few sips I definitely upped the rating however. Was a little too weird and spicy of flavor at first, but after half a dram or so, it really grows on you. It’s just the end hay-like wheat flavor that’s just ok in my book. But again, I really appreciate the archetypal cask strength bourbon with strong vanilla, oak and caramel flavors. But for the price, a really fun whiskey to have on the shelf. And the distillery is a must visit for any whiskey/gin aficionado that passes through Spokane.
Check em out: https://dryflydistilling.com/