Based in 2021, Kentucky-based Uncommon Character has develop into one thing of a fan darling amongst non-distilling producers. Along with their branded releases — which embrace each single barrels and batched merchandise — the corporate has revived and relaunched various historic labels, together with Fortuna, Brook Hill, and Previous Cassidy.
The corporate’s newest providing is the model new Hurst Knoll, a “rigorously crafted union of Kentucky straight rye barrels” aged a minimal of seven years and bottled at 101 proof. (The whiskey comes from an undisclosed Kentucky distiller or distillers.) The mix was overseen by co-founder Pablo Moix, who previous to Uncommon Character accrued a number of many years of expertise in cocktails and hospitality.
In distinction to most of the firm’s extra premium, restricted bottlings, Hurst Knoll is marketed as an always-on “go-to cocktail rye” with “daring spice, depth, and steadiness.” At $59.99, it’s not precisely the most cost effective such rye available on the market, although the proof level, age, and model pedigree may drive up worth in varied methods.
Let’s see the way it tastes.
Hurst Knoll Rye Evaluation
As marketed, spice leads on the nostril, on this case nearer to allspice and clove than cinnamon. It’s the type of spice one can think about standing out amongst varied sweeteners and liqueurs, permitting rye scents to punch by in a cocktail. Toasted pine nuts and freshly baked rye bread are up subsequent, each of which contribute to a major quantity of grain-forward aromas earlier than we get to any indicators of oak. Tiny hints of dried mint, purple berries, and white chocolate additionally develop after a couple of sniffs. Oak bookends the nostril, tempering the grain simply sufficient so as to add a little bit character from age. (I actually wouldn’t have minded extra in that realm.)
The primary few sips lean towards candy and caramel, and wooden affect — particularly some frivolously drying tannins and oak sugars — is perceptible a lot earlier in comparison with the nostril. Flippantly drying spice builds after a couple of tastes, particularly nutmeg and cinnamon that come well-integrated with seasoned wooden. Inexperienced apple lends a little bit tart fruit on the midpalate and past, a nice shock that provides some wanted depth. In any other case, each the again palate and end function some residual sweetness, vestiges of oak, and never a complete lot else. It’s not off placing when tasted neat, however Hurst Knoll lacks some closing “oomph” one hopes for on a seven 12 months sipping whiskey.
In fact, assessing Hurst Knoll neat and in a Glencairn isn’t precisely a good shake. This was meant to be blended, an intention Uncommon Character couldn’t have been clearer on. And to provide Hurst Knoll its due, the rye excels throughout traditional cocktails. I’m no world class mixologist, but it surely stood up properly in my homespun Previous Common and Manhattan, carrying strong spice in the principle sip earlier than touches of oak outlasted sweetness on the end. Not precisely a singular feat in at this time’s market, however actually a welcome instrument in a bartender’s arsenal. The ranking under displays a neat pattern, but it surely fares significantly better when blended.
101 proof.
B / $60
Hurst Knoll Rye
USD60
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