Millstone Rye is not to be overlooked
Millstone is Dutch whisky made at the Zuidam Distillery. By now, I think it is not only chauvinistic as a Dutchman to say it, but also an objective statement, that Millstone is one of the leading European whisky names. Not only is their single malt impressive in whatever variation you find it (but I do recommend trying an older one, those are stunning), Master Distiller Patrick van Zuidam is certainly not shying away from other variants in the whisky spectrum. When rummaging through my samples collection, I found an example of that.
Millstone Single Rye Whisky 2012, bottled at 52,62 % abv
First things first: Produced in November 2012, this Millstone Rye Whisky was bottled on 15 June 2023 after maturing for more than 10 years. It is a Dutch Single Rye and 872 bottles were made in the Founders Reserve series. Matured in American oak.
Upon Sipping: As an unexperienced Rye drinker, the first impression is one of glue. After that passes, a hint of a fresh bouquet of flowers emerges, but the experience stays close to the ground. Damp, wet earth, dirty hands after working in the garden, but also some breaded notes. That glue starts to transform to a nice little mint. Very fragrant, with wood spices showing the impact of the American oak. Putting it on the tongue, the palate is put under a blanket of nice spices, with hints of cinnamon and sawdust. The 10 years of maturation elevates this whisky way above other Rye whiskies that I know. Especially the hint of fruitiness that you detect on the back of your tongue and colours the finish, is really unexpected. I love being surprised by whisky! I had the same experience with the Loch Lomond Swedish oak, that I reviewed two days ago. Having said that, Rye whisky will still not be my cup of tea, but I loved being on this ride!
Word to the Wise: Firmly rooted in the Rye category, I can imagine other producers looking carefully at this Millstone as a benchmark to strive for. Balanced, complex, surprising. What more do you want from a whisky?
Score: 86 points
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