5th May, 2016 by Amy Hopkins

Hillrock Estate Distillery has unveiled the “first” 100% American rye whiskey finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks.

Set to launch at the Father’s Day Open House on 19 June, the estate-grown, 100% rye expression has been designed to emulate the terroir of New York’s Hudson Valley.

“Finishing in PX casks has been favoured among fine peated whiskies to balance the smoke with sweetness from the wine barrels,” said Dave Pickerell, Hillrock master distiller.

“The dessert sweetness from barrels is ideal for balancing the rye spice and the intense clove and cinnamon notes specific to Hillrock’s grains.”

The variant is described as having aromas of vanilla, caramel, baking spiced and herbal tea, with flavours of creamy caramel, winter fruit, cloves, cinnamon and rye spiced leading to a hint of dark chocolate on the finish.

“Reintroducing traditional whiskey and wine making techniques to our estate grown grains has proven to be an innovative and successful marriage for our whiskeys,” added Jeff Baker, owner of Hillrock Estate Distillery.

“It has become a Hillrock tradition, starting with the Solera Aged Bourbon, and we can promise more exquisite combinations to come.”

The Hillrock PX-Finished Double Cask Rye Whiskey will be available exclusively at the distillery for US$100 per 750ml bottle.