Madeira is a fortified wine made on the Portuguese Madeira Islands, off the coast of Africa. Madeira is produced in a variety of styles ranging from dry wines which can be consumed on their own, as an aperitif, to sweet wines usually consumed with dessert. I am really interested in exploring this cask finished rye, and I hope it allows the whiskey to continue to shine on its own with some subtle nuanced additions of the sweeter side of things.
Company on Label: Taconic Distillery
Whiskey Type: Finished Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: Undisclosed
Proof: 90°
Age: NAS "Distilled and aged to perfection in the Hudson Valley, New York"
Further identification: Bottled on 7/27/2021; This single barrel offering is a pick from the Kappy's 1940 Barrel Society, I purchased this bottle recently in 2021
Nose: Maple and vanilla forward at first. Almond Joy creaminess and a light cracked pepper abound. A few light hints of a light & fluffy tangerine can be found. Very mellow and subtle in all its presentation on the nose, a strong swirl elicits more dry vanilla, a new honey, and some very faint funky herbs. Post-sip the oak notes are more prominent, but still faint. Pepper grows in intensity and brings with it a creamy floral bouquet. Again more of that smooth vanilla, like a candy cream filling. Aromas are really growing in strength and poise now later in the glass. Sweet marshmallow and caramel like a Cow Tales. Really fantastic nose here.
Palate: Woah, way more punchy than the nose let on! This is a sweet factory. Confectionery sugar, maple walnut ice cream and a lovely plum. Hmm, definitely a few touches of dark, ripe grape notes also present on the linger. Definitely a little bit on the tannic side with this wine influence, but the cask finish is definitely on the lighter side, which I enjoy and prefer. There are many of the rye characteristics still poking through: punchy earthy herbs, pepper, and vanilla spice. Syrupy, but thin, this is a very easy sipper. The finish brings a bit of stinging in my gums, but also many layers of French bakery goods. Very tasty offering I'm glad to have!