Malt Of The Month September 2023 - Arbikie Single Grain Rye Cask Strength

The Arbikie Distillers Cask Strength Series adds a unique element to its 1794 Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch Whisky. It will feature limited releases of inspiring and deeply flavoured editions of our rye whisky, chosen by their expert distillers. Each edition will possess its own nuanced flavour and character.

This first edition of Arbikie Distillers Cask Strength Series features a hand-picked combination of four 5-year-old casks, chosen to accentuate the complexity and depth of the distillery's estate grown rye coupled with the influence of the selected casks.

This release displays the versatility of the distillery's Rye Single Grain paired with the excellent quality of New American Oak casks and the introduction of second use peated malt casks from Islay. It is inspired by daring whisky lovers who have an affinity for smoky-peat whiskies. The intention to marry the selected casks, was to attain an Arbikie Single Grain Rye expression with mild notes of smoky-peat to marry the Rye spirit character grown and distilled in North East Scotland.

This original meld creates aromas of chai tea, baked oranges, crème brûlée and smoke. On the palate are complex layers of chai tea, caramelised pears, baked oranges and smoke. A truly unique experience not to be missed - with only 966 bottles created.

Tasting Notes

Colour: On first glance an inviting amber colour with golden hues shines, the tension of water and alcohol displays a medium-body dram.

Body: Medium-full body

Nose: Allow the spirit to breathe in the glass and the aromatic layers will begin to emerge. This original meld yields, honey blossom notes with orange bitters revealing a subtle maritime note which comes to life after swirling the glass. The spirit unmasks a gentle cocktail of spice notes such as chai tea, white pepper, clove and ginger; joining with elegant aromas of toffee, dry leather and marzipan.

Taste: The expression of the liquid explodes showcasing a balance of warm caramelized citrus fruit and wood driven sugars such as fudge. Almost undetectable on the nose but surprisingly evident on the palate are the flavours of peat smoke connecting harmoniously with cloves and chai tea flavours stemming from the rye grain.

Finish: Smooth and elongated Coastal notes linger with light smoke, revealing dry lemon peel essences with a light dry and refreshing after-taste.

MORE INFORMATION AND PURCHASE HERE

Podcast

In the October 2022 edition of the Distillery Tours podcast we spoke to John Stirling of Arbikie Distillery. John told us about the distillery's new visitor centre and about how sustainability and a field-to-bottle approach is at the heart of everything they do. John also discussed Arbikie's amazing Scotch Rye Whisky - the world’s first in over 100 years and how the distillery is also famous for its climate positive Nàdar gin and and vodka.