Review of That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s Empire Rye 2 Year Old (Batch 1)

Today we’re looking at a “rye spirit”, a two year old dram from Empire Rye bottled by independent bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company at 50% ABV.

This is That Boutique-y Whisky Company's first bottling from Empire Rye, which was established in 2015 when a group of New York State distillers created a consortium to found a whiskey style for the state they call their home. This is the result - Empire rye, an homage to New York's pre-Prohibition rye history, and a tribute to the skills of its distillers today. This particular whiskey is actually a blend, made with Empire rye from the 9 different distillers in New York; a rather cool approach. Batch 1 is a limited edition release of 685 bottles, natural colour and without chill filtration.

I’ve previously enjoyed a couple of rye whiskies from That Boutique-y Whisky Company, you can read my reviews of Stauning Rye Whiskey (Batch 1) and Peerless Rye Whiskey (Batch 1), so I’m looking forward to trying this dram.

Tasting notes for Boutique-y’s 2 year old Empire Rye (Batch 1)

Colour: Natural colour; dark amber to bronze - an impressive colour for a 2 year old spirit. Oily, coats my glass with multiple legs streaming down the side of my copita.

Nose: A dense nose, both heavy and complex. Bananas caramelised in a toffee syrup. Warm rye toast. Dry roasted peanuts and desiccated oranges. Vanilla and wood spice from the oak. Some warmth from the alcohol.

Palate: Creamy mouthfeel which coats the mouth with rich flavours and warmth. Over-ripe bananas spread on rye bread toast. A hint of orange marmalade. A menthol character, perhaps mint chocolate ice-cream, particularly as you hold and chew the dram in your mouth. Warming wood spice adds heat.

Finish: A medium finish with dark chocolate oranges moving through menthol mints to vanilla and a touch of wood spice.

Review of Boutique-y’s 2 year old Empire Rye (Batch 1)

A great dram, one that I want to sit and reflect over. It’s a great example of why age isn’t everything, and quality blends shouldn't be ignored. If you were blind tasting this dram, then based on the colour, the mouthfeel, and the depth of flavour I doubt you would guess anywhere as young as two years. Another superb pick by That Boutique-y Whisky Company. You should definitely try this, if the opportunity arises.