"A rarely seen American single pot still that still lacks enough character against the Irish"
(Photo from Whiskybase)
On the east shore of Seneca Lake in Upstate New York, Finger Lakes Distillery produces whisky next to other spirits such as vodka, gin, brandy and grappa. What makes them rather special is that, besides the usual rye and bourbon, they also produce pure pot still whisky, or single pot still as it officially has to be called after 2012. Made from local barley, this type of whisky can rarely be found in the US. As they also mention on their website, single pot still reaches back to the Irish origins of American distilling. However, if they would really got back to the methods of yesteryear, they should have included other grains besides barley, like rye and wheat, since those were originally included in the old mash bills. They do not disclose the mash bill, so who knows, or maybe they are planning that in the future. I would like to be among first to taste that. Anyway, let us see what we have on our palate today.
Nose
Oh, very buttery and sweet with a sharp edge from a young spirit. I find a hint of liquorice, like I often find in Irish single pot still, even liquorice allsorts. Butterscotch, slightly hint of young cheese, barley sugar, citrus sweets, caramelised lemon zest. It develops into a more sour mood with the citrus fruits leading the way.
Taste
Very balanced, but young. Barley, butter, slightly fatty like fresh milk from the cow, whihc is balanced by some lemon juice sourness. Slightly short aftertaste with more sour and sweet notes. Very natural whisky.
Overall
Simple, natural and balanced whisky that slightly resembles the Irish style. What really misses here is the spicy side of the Irish single pot still. Maybe I put again my suggestion forward to put some rye in the mash bill. For old times sake?
- Review 2019-054
- Pot still whisky
- Finger Lakes Distillery (undisclosed ratio of malted and unmalted barley)
- Finger Lakes Distilling
- NAS
- 2014 (Batch 4)
- McKenzie rye and bourbon barrels
- Natural colour (?)
- Chill-filtered
- 40
- Undisclosed number of bottles
- ±40
- Difficult to find
- Whiskybase #106635
What others say
Big thanks to for sharing the sample!
Scores
• these are my personal views, so do not take them too seriously… nothing beats tasting these for yourself •
- Butter
- Butterscotch
- Lemon zest