American Maritime Whiskey
America is beginning to see the development of whiskeys aged in manners similar to that of the Isles of Scotland, with a clear maritime character. These whiskeys are bourbons and ryes, not malts, but it is often suggested that they share more character with their Scottish cousins than their American predecessors.
Invictus Rye Whiskey
Today we venture back across the Atlantic to explore a new whiskey from our friends at Cadée, on the Isle of Whidbey. Their unique aging process utilizes the push and pull of barometric pressures present in their location in the Puget Sound between the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. These fluctuating pressures rapidly increase the extraction of flavors in their casks, creating rich and unique whiskeys. The Invictus is a beautiful 6 year old Straight Rye Whiskey that is treated to a luxurious finish in imported Oloroso Sherry Casks. The Invictus is bottled at a cask strength of 55% ABV with its elegant natural color intact.
Nose: A rich aroma of caramel with woody leather and a slight hint of chocolate. Also very faint, but present is the soft scent of lemon zest.
Palate: Bold with clear sherried tones of candied orange peel, dried cherry and hints of cocoa. The flavors of Rye spice come through with clear cinnamon, pepper and cardamom.
Finish: A long and syrupy finish with orange pith and pepper.
At Cadée they take enormous pride in all their whiskeys; each expression is unique and delicious. The Invictus certainly lives up to this dedication, showing what can be achieved by a master Crafter of Spirits. It is a marvelous marriage of the rich sherry elegance that is brought fourth from its finishing casks, and the fine spice and citrus of a well aged Rye. As mentioned before the Invictus is bottled at a cask strength of 55% and yet it is so smooth and full of flavor that one might not guess its power. If you haven't had an opportunity to try the Invictus I would highly recommend it. Sláinte!
Cadée Medusa Reserve - Madeira Finished Bourbon
It's with great pleasure that today I have an opportunity to review something a little different, a beautiful maritime bourbon from Washington State's own Cadée Distillery. These artists of their craft bring innovation and creativity to the ancient art of whiskey making. The Medusa is a beautiful 5 year old Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is treated to an 18 to 24 month finish in imported Madeira wine barrels. It is the first example that I have seen of a bourbon with this type of finish which, coupled with the distillery's unique maritime ageing process, develops a whiskey of distinctive individual character. The Medusa is bottled at 40% ABV with its elegant natural colour.
Nose: Full and fragrant with smells of spice, orange zest, vanilla and sea weed. Also present on the nose is cabernet wine and light floral notes of heather.
Palate: Creamy and voluptuous with flavours of berries, crème brûlée, brown sugar and preserves. Also present is the clear taste of sea salt.
Finish: A long full finish with lovely notes of sea weed and apple pie.
At Cadée they take enormous pride in their maritime ageing process which derives from their location. Embraced by the Puget Sound and nestled between the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Whidbey Island's unique location provides three distinct factors that affect the development of their island whiskeys. The first is the presence of the largest coastal peat bog in North America. The use of water pulled through this source adds a significant mineral content to their coastal whiskeys. The second is the push and pull of barometric pressures that rapidly increases the extraction of flavors in their casks. The final factor is the constant influence of the salty sea air which brings forth a clear maritime character. These factors augment the whiskey without challenging it, creating a flavor profile reminiscent of the Scottish Isles. If you haven't had an opportunity I would highly recommend trying some of their expressions. Sláinte!
Cadée American Single Malt
It’s with enormous pleasure that today I have the opportunity to introduce the new Cadée American Single Malt. This is the first single malt release from Cadée and an exceptional one at that. This 7 year old whiskey Is matured in once-used 53 gallon Cadée bourbon barrels and bottled at 46% ABV. It’s wonderfully soft yet complex pallet is reminiscent of a Scottish lowland malt yet uniquely American.
Nose: Sweet and subtle aromas of honey, vanilla and wildflower are strongest on the nose with subtle hints of fresh cut straw and blackberry.
Palate: Rich flavors of honeyed peaches, toffee and vanilla custard dominate. Subtle flavors of lavender and cassis berries are also present.
Finish: A long finish with flavors of vanilla, caramel and a slight hint of more lavender.
As my readers know I am an avid single malt enthusiast and although I tend towards those of the Scottish Isles I am always looking for something new and exciting. Over the past years I have never been disappointed with the complex, unique and delicious whiskeys lovingly produced at Cadée, on the Isle of Whidbey, in the Puget Sound. Each of their expressions holds a rare subtle elegance and individuality that is not often found in the whiskey world today. The Cadée American Single Malt certainly stands up to this high bar of expectation; it is yet another example of the hard work and dedication that they give to their hallowed craft. If you haven't had an opportunity to try the Cadée Single Malt I would highly recommend it. Sláinte!