Twelve Five Small Batch Rye 750ml

Twelve Five Small Batch Rye 750ml

Twelve Five Small Batch Rye is a distinctive whiskey crafted by Congenial Spirits at Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery, located in eastern Iowa. This rye whiskey is named in honor of Repeal Day, December 5, 1933, marking the end of Prohibition in the United States. It stands out as one of the first licensed distilleries in Iowa since that era.

Composition and Production

The whiskey features a unique mash bill consisting of 70% rye, 15% malted barley, and 15% corn. This blend contributes to its rich flavor profile and character. The distillation process employs an 80-gallon Bavarian copper pot, which allows for small batch production that enhances quality control and flavor development.

After distillation, Twelve Five Rye is aged for a minimum of two years in charred American oak barrels. This aging process imparts essential flavors from the wood while allowing the whiskey to develop complexity over time. Additionally, Cedar Ridge takes an innovative approach by letting the whiskey rest in aluminum containers for four months post-aging; this technique helps to marry the flavors more effectively without further maturation.

Tasting Notes

Upon tasting, Twelve Five Rye reveals a fruity style with sweet tropical notes reminiscent of juicy fruit gum. The initial palate is complemented by a blend of spices including cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, culminating in a smooth vanilla finish.

Aroma

The nose presents an intriguing combination of scents; it opens with prominent dill notes characteristic of fresh rye before transitioning into layers of cloves, ginger, sandalwood, and hints of coconut as it breathes.

Flavor Profile

On the palate, this rye offers a meaty and viscous mouthfeel with subtle oaky astringency leading into a sweet and spicy finish. With some water added, additional flavors such as toffee emerge alongside gingerbread and caramel notes. The finish is particularly noteworthy—sweet cherries covered in dark chocolate evolve into woody clove and allspice nuances that linger pleasantly.

Alcohol Content

Twelve Five Rye is bottled at 47.5% alcohol by volume (95 proof), making it robust yet approachable for both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Availability

This small batch rye whiskey has limited availability due to its production scale; initially released with only 2,500 cases, it can primarily be found in Southern California markets such as Los Angeles and San Diego but has plans for broader distribution.

In summary, Twelve Five Small Batch Rye offers a well-rounded experience characterized by its fruity sweetness balanced with spice and woodiness—a testament to modern craft distilling techniques combined with historical significance.