FEW Rye Whiskey Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

• Origin: Evanston, Illinois, USA.
• Type: Rye Whiskey.
• Distillation and Maturation Process: Aged in charred new oak barrels for less than four years. The oak used for the barrels is air-dried, a process that helps remove some of the bitter substances from the wood.
• Age Statement: Less than four years.
• Mash Bill: 70% rye, 20% corn, and 10% malted barley. The inclusion of malted barley eliminates the need for added enzymes during mashing.
• ABV: 46% (93 proof).
• Bottle Design: Features a fountain, possibly the Buckingham Fountain from Chicago, Illinois, symbolizing the brand's heritage.

Whisky Flavor Profile

• Balance of Flavors: A good mixture of spicy and herbal notes, with a subtle sweetness.
• Unique Characteristics: The whiskey starts with a strong spiciness, reminiscent of rye bread, and includes notes of bell pepper and black pepper. It has a dry character from the spices but lacks expected bitterness.
• Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct with its spicy and herbal balance, not deeply compared to other whiskies within the transcript.

Whisky Storytelling

• Distillery Name Origin: Named after Francis Elizabeth Willard, a women's rights advocate and promoter of prohibition, which is ironic given the distillery's focus on whiskey production.
• Location Trivia: The distillery is located in a historically dry county, adding an interesting twist to its establishment.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

• Historical References: The distillery's name and the bottle design pay homage to Illinois' heritage and notable figures from Evanston, Illinois.
• Prohibition Connection: Naming the distillery after a prohibition advocate highlights a unique juxtaposition between historical advocacy and modern whiskey production.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

• "It's a good mixture between spicy and herbs."
• "Unexpectedly, I would have expected more sweetness from the nose."
• "Matured pretty well for a four-year-old."

Summary

• FEW Rye is a young, spicy, and herbal rye whiskey from Evanston, Illinois.
• Aged for less than four years in charred, air-dried oak barrels, resulting in a subtle sweetness and woody notes.
• Named after prohibition advocate Francis Elizabeth Willard, reflecting a unique historical connection.
• Features a balanced flavor profile with notable spiciness and a hint of sweetness.
• The bottle design may reference Illinois' Buckingham Fountain, emphasizing the brand's local heritage.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

• Rye Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate a spicy and herbal rye whiskey will enjoy FEW Rye's unique profile.
• History Buffs: Individuals interested in the cultural and historical aspects of whiskey production might find the distillery's backstory particularly engaging.
• New Whiskey Drinkers: The subtle sweetness and well-balanced spiciness make it a suitable choice for those new to rye whiskey, looking to explore different flavor profiles.