Inchdairnie RyeLaw Fife Single Grain 2017/2022 | Whisky Review
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Distilled in the Kingdom of Fife, part of the Lowlands, specifically in the city of Glenrothes.
- Type: Single Grain Whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation Process: Utilizes Lomond Hill stills for a smoother alcohol due to higher reflux. Aged in casks from the Ozark mountains in Missouri, which are freshly burned with charcoal on the inside, contributing to the flavor.
- Age Statement: Distilled in 2017 and bottled in 2022.
- Color and Clarity: Uncolored, non-chill filtered.
- Bottle Design: Features a wave structure on the side, a neck design reminiscent of the distillery's water tons, and a heavy, clear glass bottle with a thick bottom and a massive stopper, emphasizing quality and suitability as a collectible.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: A unique blend of sweetness, dry fruit, and a peppery note with an oily whiskiness on the tongue.
- Unique Characteristics: Notable for its light eucalyptus note and the absence of the maize content found in bourbon, offering a single malt experience with an additional light rye note.
- Comparison: Distinct from bourbons due to its lack of maize and more akin to a single malt with rye influences.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery: Inchdairnie is a relatively new distillery in the Lowlands, making this bottle one of its first, if not the first, bottlings. The use of Lomond Hill stills and a mix of malted rye and barley in the distillation process is highlighted as unique.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Geographical Context: The whisky's production in the Kingdom of Fife, specifically Glenrothes, and the use of American white oak casks from the Ozark mountains, adds layers of geographical and cultural significance to its identity.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This is definitely a whisky. You have an oily whiskiness on the tongue. Sweet, dry fruit in the aftertaste." - Luening Horst Luening, senior taster of whisky.com
- "This is really special and it's a malt with a special kick in it with a special aromatic note in it." - Luening Horst Luening
Summary
- Inchdairnie RyeLaw is a unique single grain whisky from the Kingdom of Fife, aged for five years and utilizing a mix of malted rye and barley.
- The distillation process involves Lomond Hill stills for smoother alcohol, and maturation in freshly burned American white oak casks from the Ozark mountains.
- The flavor profile includes a light eucalyptus note, sweetness, dry fruit, and a peppery note, with a distinctive oily texture on the tongue.
- The bottle design is exquisite, making it a valuable collectible.
- The whisky offers a unique experience, different from traditional bourbons and closer to a single malt with rye influences.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Collectors: Due to its unique bottle design and being one of the first bottlings from a new distillery, it's highly recommended for collectors.
- Rye Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring rye whiskies with a unique twist will find this offering intriguing.
- Single Malt Aficionados: Individuals who appreciate the complexity of single malts but are open to experiencing the nuanced differences introduced by rye.
- Adventurous Drinkers: Anyone looking to explore beyond traditional whisky profiles and interested in the innovative use of distillation techniques and cask maturation.